Latest news with #DieTeslaNazi
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Man charged after alleged arson attacks on Tesla dealership and GOP headquarters in New Mexico
A man has been federally charged with carrying out arson attacks against the Republican Party headquarters in New Mexico and a Tesla dealership, the Department of Justice said Monday. Jamison Wagner, from Albuquerque and born in 1984, faces two counts of causing malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives. He is currently in police custody and faces a detention hearing on Wednesday. If convicted, Wagner faces between five and 20 years in prison on each count. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement that authorities would not tolerate "this ongoing wave of political violence," referring to repeated attacks on Tesla vehicles, dealerships and chargers in recent weeks. Tesla has become the target of peaceful protests and violent attacks after its owner, Elon Musk, became a key figure in President Donald Trump's efforts to dismantle and shrink federal agencies. "Hurling firebombs is not political protest," said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in the statement. "The impressive work by law enforcement in New Mexico sends a clear message to perpetrators of all of the shameful attacks on Tesla facilities and political establishments: we are coming for you, you can't hide, and you will do serious jail time to pay for your crimes." An April 12 court document filed in the New Mexico District Court shows that Wagner is accused of two separate arson offenses in Albuquerque: one at a Tesla showroom on Feb. 9 and another at the GOP offices on March 30. Two Model Y Teslas were damaged in the first incident, prosecutors say, in an attack at 3:13 a.m. Graffiti was found at the scene, including "Die Elon," "Tesla Nazi Inc," and "Die Tesla Nazi." Some of the letters in these phrases were replaced with swastikas. Investigators said the car fires were set intentionally and an incendiary device was found at the scene. Surveillance camera footage showed a man prosecutors believe is Wagner exiting a light-colored sedan car around the time of the fire, wearing all-black clothing and carrying a white box, the court document said. "A small flickering light, consistent with a transient ignition source, was observed in the subject's hands before flame rapidly appeared inside one vehicle," the court document said. "The subject left the area rapidly after the fire started inside one vehicle." Prosecutors say the second attack took place at the Republican Party of New Mexico office at 5:55 a.m., and the front door and lobby were damaged by the fire. The message "ICE=KKK" was sprayed onto a wall. Shards of glass incendiary devices were found at the scene, similar to those found at the Tesla dealership, the document said. On Friday, the FBI obtained and warrant and searched Wagner's home where they found eight suspected incendiary devices — some with the same handwritten "I" and "H" written on the lids — plus materials for making them and spray paint and a stencil bearing the letters "ICE=KKK," and a black hoodie with red paint on it, the court document said. This article was originally published on
NBC News
15-04-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
Man charged after alleged arson attacks on Tesla dealership and GOP headquarters in New Mexico
A man has been federally charged with carrying out arson attacks against the Republican Party headquarters in New Mexico and a Tesla dealership, the Department of Justice said Monday. Jamison Wagner, from Albuquerque and born in 1984, faces two counts of causing malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives. He is currently in police custody and faces a detention hearing on Wednesday. If convicted, Wagner faces between five and 20 years in prison on each count. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement that authorities would not tolerate "this ongoing wave of political violence," referring to repeated attacks on Tesla vehicles, dealerships and chargers in recent weeks. Tesla has become the target of peaceful protests and violent attacks after its owner, Elon Musk, became a key figure in President Donald Trump's efforts to dismantle and shrink federal agencies. "Hurling firebombs is not political protest," said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in the statement. "The impressive work by law enforcement in New Mexico sends a clear message to perpetrators of all of the shameful attacks on Tesla facilities and political establishments: we are coming for you, you can't hide, and you will do serious jail time to pay for your crimes." An April 12 court document filed in the New Mexico District Court shows that Wagner is accused of two separate arson offenses in Albuquerque: one at a Tesla showroom on Feb. 9 and another at the GOP offices on March 30. Two Model Y Teslas were damaged in the first incident, prosecutors say, in an attack at 3:13 a.m. Graffiti was found at the scene, including "Die Elon," "Tesla Nazi Inc," and "Die Tesla Nazi." Some of the letters in these phrases were replaced with swastikas. Investigators said the car fires were set intentionally and an incendiary device was found at the scene. Surveillance camera footage showed a man prosecutors believe is Wagner exiting a light-colored sedan car around the time of the fire, wearing all-black clothing and carrying a white box, the court document said. "A small flickering light, consistent with a transient ignition source, was observed in the subject's hands before flame rapidly appeared inside one vehicle," the court document said. "The subject left the area rapidly after the fire started inside one vehicle." Prosecutors say the second attack took place at the Republican Party of New Mexico office at 5:55 a.m., and the front door and lobby were damaged by the fire. The message "ICE=KKK" was sprayed onto a wall. Shards of glass incendiary devices were found at the scene, similar to those found at the Tesla dealership, the document said. On Friday, the FBI obtained and warrant and searched Wagner's home where they found eight suspected incendiary devices — some with the same handwritten "I" and "H" written on the lids — plus materials for making them and spray paint and a stencil bearing the letters "ICE=KKK," and a black hoodie with red paint on it, the court document said.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Man charged in connection to arsons at Tesla, New Mexico GOP headquarters
Apr. 14—A man is accused of vandalizing and setting fire to a Tesla dealership outside Bernalillo and the Republican Party of New Mexico headquarters in two separate incidents. Jamison Wagner, 40, of Albuquerque, was charged with two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives on Monday. He will remain in custody pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for Wednesday, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison per count. "Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence," Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. "We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences." Wagner's attorney could not immediately be reached for comment. State Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Barela expressed gratitude to federal law enforcement agencies for their work in apprehending Wagner. "The attack on our headquarters was not just an attack on a building; it was an attack on the democratic process and the values we hold dear," Barela said in a statement. "We are relieved that no one was harmed and are committed to ensuring that justice is served." Democratic Party of New Mexico spokesperson Daniel Garcia said the party is "grateful" for Wagner's arrest. "Should this individual be found guilty, we hope the U.S. Department of Justice holds them accountable," he said. "Politically motivated violence and vandalism are never acceptable." Wagner is a registered Democrat, according to state election records, who has voted consistently in recent statewide elections. Wagner has a profile on a queer scientists group that states he was pursuing an electrical engineering master's degree and had been interning for a national laboratory. Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent Certified Fire Investigators and forensic lab teams analyzed key evidence, uncovering a matching DNA profile tying the incidents together and identified Wagner as the suspect, ATF Deputy Director Robert Cekada said in a Facebook post. "With the support of our local partners, the FBI, and the rapid work of ATF's forensic lab, we were able to link the crimes, identify those responsible, and take swift action to protect the public," Cekada said. In the initial incident, a vandalism and fire were reported at a Tesla dealership on Santa Ana Pueblo land at 3:13 a.m. on Feb. 9. When law enforcement arrived, they saw two Tesla Model Y vehicles on fire outside the showroom, according to a criminal complaint filed at the U.S. District Court of New Mexico. Along with the fire, the agents said, there was graffiti spray-painted on walls and five or six vehicles with messages like "Die Elon," "Tesla Nazi Inc," and "Die Tesla Nazi." While looking at the damaged cars, investigators found a glass container with "improvised napalm material," the complaint states. Video surveillance showed a sedan parking east of the showroom and a man — later identified as Wagner — wearing a black mask and hoodie carrying a white box, agents said. Wagner then used spray paint from the box to draw graffiti on cars and the dealership, according to the complaint. Wagner broke several vehicle windows before placing a fire bomb into two vehicles, the agents said. "A small flickering light" was seen in Wagner's hands before a "flame rapidly appeared" inside a vehicle, according to the complaint. At one point, Wagner's hoodie fell back and revealed the top of his head before he left, according to the DOJ. Several weeks later, at 5:55 a.m. on March 30, Albuquerque Fire Rescue responded to a fire at the Republican Party of New Mexico's headquarters in northern Albuquerque. When firefighters arrived, they saw flames at the front door and entry area, and graffiti on the side of the building that read, "ICE=KKK," agents said. Investigators found a broken gin bottle and smelled ignitable liquids used to start a fire, according to the criminal complaint. Investigators also located two bottle lids with "I" or "H" on them, which was "substantially similar in appearance and position" to that seen at the Tesla dealership, agents said. The "ICE=KKK" was written in red stenciled letters that was similar to what was used at the dealership, the complaint states. Investigators got access to surveillance that showed at 1 a.m., a person got out of a car and walked toward the building headquarters, agents said. Eight minutes later, surveillance showed saw a light moving across the upper part of the screen followed by a "large flash of light" where the door was, which indicated the throwing of a Molotov cocktail, the complaint states. Agents said they saw a sedan leave the scene that matched the description of the vehicle seen at the Tesla fire, agents said. On Wednesday, investigators hid outside Wagner's home where they saw him, the complaint states. On Saturday, investigators returned to Wagner's home with a search warrant and found items including a white cardboard box with eight incendiary devices, red and black spray paint, egg cartons with material used in making the napalm, ignitable liquids used at the dealership and Republican Party headquarters, a jar with the letter "I" or "H," and a cardboard stencil with "ICE=KKK" painted on the perimeter, agents said. The arson attack at the state GOP headquarters prompted condemnation from both major political parties, though Democratic Party Chairwoman Jessica Velasquez later accused Republicans of seeking to weaponize the incident. That was a reference to GOP criticism of U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, D-N.M., who had several days before the incident urged attendees at a town hall meeting in Santa Fe to "legislate, litigate and agitate." Meanwhile, the arrest of Wagner also comes amid fears over a national rise in political violence. New Mexico has also seen politically-fueled crimes, including the recent conviction of former Republican legislative candidate Solomon Peña for planning and participating in shootings at four Democratic politicians' homes in 2023. State GOP chairwoman Barela said Wagner's arrest sends a message that anyone considering similar acts will be held accountable. "Attempting to silence through violence, intimidation, or threats is not how the Republican Party — or any freedom-loving American — negotiates," she said. "We stand strong in the face of hate, and we will continue to defend our right to participate freely and safely in the political process." Journal Capitol Bureau Chief Dan Boyd contributed to this report.
New York Times
15-04-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Suspect Arrested in Attacks on New Mexico G.O.P. Office and a Tesla Dealer
An Albuquerque man was arrested on Monday in connection with the fire bombings of the Republican Party of New Mexico's headquarters in March and a Tesla dealership in February, attacks that the federal authorities have designated as 'domestic terrorism.' The suspect, Jamison Wagner, 40, had parked his white Hyundai sedan at both locations before the arson attacks and then drove away, according to security and traffic camera images released by the Justice Department. Federal prosecutors said that surveillance footage from the Tesla showroom near Albuquerque on Feb. 9 showed him carrying a box of supplies that he used to spray-paint graffiti on the building and several vehicles. Investigators said that he had scrawled the phrases 'Die Elon,' 'Tesla Nazi Inc' and 'Die Tesla Nazi,' references to the company's billionaire founder, Elon Musk, who is leading the Trump administration's cost-cutting program. Mr. Wagner was then observed breaking some car windows and throwing an incendiary device inside one of them, destroying it, a criminal complaint said. Several weeks after that arson attack, the authorities said, Mr. Wagner struck again, torching the lobby of the Republican Party of New Mexico's headquarters during the early morning hours of March 30. Investigators say that he left behind critical evidence each time, connecting him to both crimes: lids from a jar of Smucker's jelly and a container of olives that they said he had filled with gasoline. Both lids had the letter 'H' or 'I' written on them with what appeared to be a marker, photographs showed. 'Hurling firebombs is not political protest,' Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general, said in a statement on Monday. 'It is a dangerous felony that we will prosecute to the maximum extent.' A federal public defender for Mr. Wagner, who remains in custody, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday. Mr. Wagner was charged with two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives, according to court records. He could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted. According to the Justice Department, Mr. Wagner was seen in security camera footage carrying out the arson attack at the Tesla dealership and was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. At one point, investigators said, his hood fell back, giving them a better look at him. During a search of Mr. Wagner's home on Friday, the authorities said, a black hoodie with red spray paint was found on it. A stencil with the letters 'ICE = KKK,' which had been painted on the Republican Party headquarters, was also found, along with a box containing empty jars like the ones that were found at both crime scenes. Federal authorities said that his arrest underscored a push to crack down on what the Justice Department calls 'domestic terrorism,' including vandalism and acts of violence targeting the president's political and corporate allies. Much of that ire has been directed at Mr. Musk and his companies, particularly Tesla. From Oregon to Massachusetts, charging stations have been set ablaze, vehicles scrawled with graffiti and dealership windows shot out.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New Mexico man charged with Tesla, local GOP arson attacks: 'Crimes have consequences,' AG Bondi says
A New Mexico man has been charged with recent arson attacks on a Tesla dealership and a local Republican Party building, the Justice Department said Monday. Jamison Wagner, 40, an Albuquerque resident, was arrested over the weekend after authorities found "substantial evidence" linking him to the attacks while searching his home. He is charged with two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing. "Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences." The attack on the Tesla facility happened on Feb. 9 when the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom was targeted in an arson attack. Two Tesla vehicles were involved in the fire, with one left significantly damaged. Fbi Investigating After Washington Tesla Charging Station Damaged Following 'Loud Noise' At the back of the building, authorities found graffiti spray-painted in red and black paint and six other vehicles, which included the phrases "Die Elon," "Tesla Nazi Inc," and "Die Tesla Nazi," along with swastika symbols, authorities said. Read On The Fox News App A suspect was captured on surveillance video wearing black clothing and a mask, and carrying a white box. On March 30, a second arson attack happened at the Republican Party New Mexico (RPNM) office. That attack significantly damaged the front door and entry of the building. At the scene, investigators collected shattered glass and metal lids from what appeared to be two to three separate glass containers. Two of the lids had a handwritten capital "I" or "H," similar in appearance to the letter found on the lid of the glass container at the Tesla scene, authorities said. At the time of the attack, the New Mexico GOP said the arson was part of a "disturbing pattern of politically motivated violence that has plagued our country—fueled in part by the silence and implicit encouragement from progressive leaders who refuse to condemn these acts." New Mexico GOP Chairwoman Amy Barela thanks law enforcement for their work on the case. "We are grateful to the FBI and ATF for their diligent work in apprehending the individual responsible for these heinous acts," Barela said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "The attack on our headquarters was not just an attack on a building; it was an attack on the democratic process and the values we hold dear. We are relieved that no one was harmed and are committed to ensuring that justice is served." "Let this send a clear message to anyone who may be considering similar acts: you will be found, and you will be held accountable," she added. "Attempting to silence through violence, intimidation, or threats is not how the Republican Party — or any freedom-loving American — negotiates. We stand strong in the face of hate, and we will continue to defend our right to participate freely and safely in the political process." Graffiti with the phrase "ICE=KKK" was found on the building wall. Security video captured a white sedan approaching the building. Someone got out of the vehicle and a flash of light was spotted before the suspect drove away, federal prosecutors said. Elon Musk Condemns Violent Attacks In Tesla As A 'Fundamental Case Of Terrorism' Investigators determined the car was a Hyundai Accent between the years 2012 and 2015. They also determined that homemade incendiary devices utilizing glass containers and flammable liquids were used in both attacks. Wagner matched the physical description of the suspects at both scenes and owns a white 2015 Hyundai Accent, prosecutors said. During a search of his home, the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) found multiple pieces of evidence linking him to the Arsons, including a jar with a green gingham-style lid similar to one found at the RPNM fire scene, along with several jars marked with handwritten capital letters "I" or "H," black and red spray paint and blue styrofoam egg cartons consistent with the polystyrene material found in the improvised napalm used in the Tesla fire, among others. FBI Director Kash Patel said evidence at the scene "strongly suggests that this weekend, our brave agents prevented further planned arson attacks." Tesla facilities have been targeted for violence in recent months over Elon Musk, its CEO, and his work with the Trump administration. "Hurling firebombs is not political protest," Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said. "It is a dangerous felony that we will prosecute to the maximum extent. The impressive work by law enforcement in New Mexico sends a clear message to perpetrators of all of the shameful attacks on Tesla facilities and political establishments: we are coming for you, you can't hide, and you will do serious jail time to pay for your crimes."Original article source: New Mexico man charged with Tesla, local GOP arson attacks: 'Crimes have consequences,' AG Bondi says
