Federal authorities have arrested Jamison Wagner, a 40-year-old Albuquerque resident, in connection with a pair of high-profile arson attacks targeting both a Tesla dealership and the New Mexico Republican Party Headquarters. The incidents, which federal prosecutors have labeled acts of “domestic terrorism,” have drawn national attention amid a recent surge of politically motivated attacks on businesses and organizations linked to prominent public figures.

Timeline and Details of the Attacks

Tesla Dealership Arson – February 9, 2025

• In the early hours of February 9, two Tesla Model Y vehicles were set ablaze in the parking lot of the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom. The fire caused extensive damage to one vehicle and moderate damage to another.
• The scene was marred by graffiti, including phrases such as “Die Elon,” “Tesla Nazi Inc,” and “Die Tesla Nazi,” with swastika symbols spray-painted in red and black on the building and vehicles. The messages referenced Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a figure who has become increasingly polarizing due to his political alliances and involvement in federal government reforms.
• Investigators recovered an improvised incendiary device at the scene and reviewed surveillance footage showing a suspect, later identified as Wagner, arriving in a white Hyundai Accent, dressed in black, and carrying a white box. The footage captured him smashing car windows and igniting the fire before fleeing the scene.

Republican Party Headquarters Arson – March 30, 2025

• Less than two months later, in the early morning of March 30, the Republican Party of New Mexico’s headquarters in Albuquerque was targeted. The attack damaged the entrance and lobby, and again, incendiary devices were used.
• Graffiti at the GOP office included the phrase “ICE=KKK,” spray-painted in a style matching that found at the Tesla dealership. Investigators found glass containers with green lids—identical to those used in the earlier attack—at both crime scenes.

Investigation and Arrest

• Federal investigators connected Wagner to both incidents through surveillance imagery, forensic evidence, and the distinctive materials used in the attacks. On April 12, FBI and ATF agents executed a search warrant at Wagner’s Albuquerque home.
• Authorities discovered eight assembled incendiary devices, jars with matching lids, flammable substances, red spray paint, and a stencil reading “ICE=KKK”—all linking Wagner to the arsons. A black hoodie with red paint, matching the suspect’s attire in surveillance footage, was also seized.
• Wagner was taken into custody on April 12 and is currently being held pending a detention hearing scheduled for Wednesday.

Legal Proceedings and Federal Response

• Wagner faces two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives, charges that each carry a potential sentence of five to twenty years in federal prison. If convicted on both counts, Wagner could face up to 40 years behind bars.
• The Department of Justice has signaled its intent to prosecute Wagner to the fullest extent of the law. Attorney General Pamela Bondi condemned the attacks as part of a “continuing surge of political violence,” vowing that federal authorities will not tolerate such acts.
• Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized, “Hurling firebombs is not political protest. It is a perilous felony that we will pursue to the fullest extent of the law”.

Broader Context

The attacks come amid a wave of vandalism and arson targeting Tesla dealerships and other entities associated with Elon Musk, who has become a lightning rod for political activism due to his role in the Trump administration’s government reform initiatives. Federal officials have linked these attacks to a broader pattern of politically motivated violence and have pledged increased enforcement efforts.

Wagner has not yet entered a plea. His arrest, authorities say, not only brings accountability for the recent attacks but also serves as a warning to others contemplating similar acts of violence.

“Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence. We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences.” — Attorney General Pamela Bondi

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities probing whether Wagner may have planned additional attacks.