The New Mexico man has been charged with a recent arson attack on a Tesla dealer and a local Republican building, the Justice Department said Monday.
Albuquerque resident Jamison Wagner, 40, was arrested over the weekend after authorities discovered “substantial evidence” linking to the attack while searching for his home. He is charged with two counts of two malicious damages or destruction of property by a fire or explosive, and will continue to be detained as a detention hearing continues.
“Let’s make this the final lesson for those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence,” Attorney General Pamela Bondy said. “We arrest you, we will indict you, and we will not negotiate. The crime will have consequences.”
The attack on the Tesla facility came on February 9th, when the Tesla Albuquerque showroom was targeted for an arson attack. Two Tesla vehicles were involved in the fire, with one remaining.
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Jamison Wagner, 40, has been charged with two arson attacks, one at the New Mexico Tesla dealer and the other at the state Republican headquarters. (Doctor of Justice)
Behind the building, authorities discovered graffiti painted red and black paint and six other vehicles, including the phrases “Die Elon”, “Tesla Nazi Inc” and “Die Tesla Nazi.”
The suspect was filmed on surveillance video carrying a white box, wearing black clothes and a mask. On March 30, the second arson attack occurred at the Republican New Mexico (RPNM) office.
The attack significantly damaged the entrance and building entrance. At the site, investigators collected crushed glass and metal lids from what appeared to be two or three glass containers.
Two of the lids carry the handwritten capital “I” or “H” and have a similar appearance to the letters found on the lids of the glass containers in Tesla scene, authorities said.
Republican front door at Albuquerque’s New Mexico (RPNM) office after an arson attack. (Doctor of Justice)
At the time of the attack, the New Mexico GOP said the arson was “part of a disturbing pattern of politically motivated violence that plagued our country.
New Mexico GOP Chair Amy Barrera would like to thank them for their work in the case.
“We appreciate the FBI and the ATF for their hard work in arresting those responsible for these heinous conduct.”
Barela said in a statement from Fox News Digital. “The attack on our headquarters wasn’t just an attack on the buildings. It was an attack on the democratic process and the values we cherish. We feel at ease that we are committed to ensuring that no one is harmed and that justice is provided.”
“This will send a clear message to anyone who may be considering similar actions. “Trying to silence through violence, intimidation, or threats is not the way Republicans or freedom-loving Americans negotiate. We stand strong in the face of hatred and continue to defend our right to participate freely and safely in the political process.”
Graffiti with the phrase “Ice = KKK” was found on the walls of the building. Security video filmed a white sedan approaching the building. A flash of light was discovered before someone got out of the car and the suspect was kicked out, federal prosecutors said.
Elon Musk condemns violent attacks at Tesla as “a fundamental case of terrorism.”
The Republican wall in the New Mexico (RPNM) office was destroyed during an arson attack. (Doctor of Justice)
Investigators determined that the car was a Hyundai accent between 2012 and 2015. We also determined that a homemade baking device using glass containers and flammable liquids would be used in both attacks.
Wagner coincides with the suspect’s physical description in both scenes, and owns a 2015 white Hyundai accent, prosecutors said.
During the search of his home, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Cigarettes, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) found multiple pieces of evidence, including a green gingham-style lid found in a fire scene at RPNM. Particularly the polystyrene material found in improvised napalms used in the Tesla fire.
FBI director Kash Patel said evidence on the scene “strongly suggests that our brave agents have prevented further planned arson attacks this weekend.”
Tesla’s facility has been targeted for violence against CEO Elon Musk and his work with the Trump administration for months.
A New Mexico Tesla dealer was attacked and destroyed in February, authorities said. (Doctor of Justice)
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“Hurling a Firebomb is not a political protest,” Assistant Attorney General Todd Blanche said. “It is a dangerous felony to which we prosecute to the fullest. The impressive work by law enforcement in New Mexico sends a clear message to all perpetrators of shameful attacks on Tesla facilities and political facilities.
