Jamison Wagner’s arrest has sparked a federal firestorm, linking him to politically motivated firebombings at both a Tesla dealership and a state Republican headquarters.
At a Glance
- Man charged in arson of Tesla and GOP sites in New Mexico
- Evidence includes explosives and anti-government graffiti
- Faces up to 40 years for politically charged firebombings
- No plea deal as feds cite rising domestic extremism
Tesla and GOP Under Fire
Jamison Wagner, a 40-year-old from Albuquerque, has been arrested and charged with multiple federal arson counts following firebomb attacks on a Tesla dealership and the New Mexico Republican Party headquarters. According to the Department of Justice, Wagner allegedly struck the Tesla location in Bernalillo on February 9, 2025, and the GOP office in Albuquerque on March 30.
At the Tesla site, Wagner allegedly torched two Model Y vehicles and left behind graffiti including “Die Elon” and swastika symbols. Investigators say the dealership was marked with phrases like “Tesla Nazi Inc.” that echoed themes found at the GOP office fire, where “ICE = KKK” was scrawled near the scene.
Watch a report on the incident at FBI arrests Tesla, GOP firebomber in New Mexico.
Investigation Uncovers Explosives
The FBI and ATF worked in tandem to trace the attacks. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Wagner and his white 2015 Hyundai Accent near both locations. When federal agents searched Wagner’s home on April 12, they discovered stencils matching the graffiti, spray paint cans, and eight potential incendiary devices.
According to reporting from the Associated Press, federal officials have emphasized that the evidence suggests premeditated political violence, not isolated vandalism. Wagner remains in custody and has not entered a plea.
Federal Officials Condemn Violence
Attorney General Pam Bondi labeled the acts as part of an “ongoing wave of political violence,” vowing there would be no plea deals for what she called domestic terrorism. “We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences,” Bondi said in a statement reported by The Western Journal.
FBI Director Kash Patel echoed those sentiments, describing the arrest as part of a crackdown on ideological attacks that cross into terrorism. “This is not political protest,” added Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This is criminal.”
According to NBC News, Wagner faces between 5 and 20 years for each count of malicious damage by fire. If convicted on all charges, he could spend up to 40 years in federal prison.
Political Echoes and National Concern
The coordinated nature of the attacks, paired with incendiary slogans and federal involvement, has reignited debate over the line between activism and terrorism. Wagner’s graffiti invoked not only Elon Musk and Tesla, but also broader criticisms of U.S. immigration enforcement, which authorities believe may signal deeper ideological motivations.
Law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate Wagner’s connections, including whether others may have supported or encouraged the attacks. Officials have not ruled out links to additional acts of political vandalism across the country.
