According to US authorities, 40-year-old Jamison Wagner is facing the same number of years behind bars after he was linked to several firebomb attacks against Tesla.
A 40-year-old Albuquerque man, Jamison Wagner, has been arrested and charged with arson, including arson attacks on a Tesla dealership and the Republican Party headquarters in New Mexico. The attacks involved arson and graffiti.
On February 9, the Tesla dealership in Albuquerque was attacked. Two cars were set on fire during the incident. One of the cars sustained significant damage.
Investigators found an intact glass container in one of the cars. According to the US Department of Justice, the container contained "improvised napalm."
In addition to the fires, Tesla's buildings and six other cars were painted over. The graffiti included swastika symbols and messages such as "Die Elon" and "Die Tesla Nazi."
Surveillance cameras captured the perpetrator. The person was dressed in black and wore a mask. This initially made it difficult for authorities to identify him.
Investigation uncovers clues
The following month, the Republican Party headquarters in New Mexico was hit, again using improvised firebombs and graffiti.
The building's main door and entrance were set on fire. Graffiti was also found with the text "ICE=KKK". This is interpreted as a possible reference to immigration authorities or that driving a car with an internal combustion engine is the same as being racist.
Authorities had a breakthrough in the case shortly after the attack at the New Mexico office. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses showed a white sedan nearby. The footage showed the driver exiting the car, starting the fire, and driving away.
Investigators determined that the car was a Hyundai Accent from 2012 to 2015. A little digging showed that Jamison Wagner owns exactly such a car.
His appearance matched the person in the surveillance footage from the Tesla attack. He also owned a white 2015 Hyundai Accent.
Evidence found during search
On April 12, the ATF and FBI searched Wagner's residence. During the search, officers reportedly found eight incendiary bombs. They also found materials for making improvised napalm.
Glass containers similar to those used in the attacks were found. In addition, a stencil with the phrase "ICE=KKK" was found.
Wagner now faces two charges of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives, each of which carries a prison sentence of between five and 20 years.
– Let this be the final warning to those participating in the current wave of political violence.
"We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences," said State Attorney Pamela Bondi.
"Throwing firebombs is not political protest," Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche added.
He also said that the arrest: -sends a clear message to the perpetrators behind all the shameful attacks on Tesla facilities and political establishments.
The case highlights the authorities' zero tolerance for violent acts, regardless of the motivation behind them.
The investigation gathered conclusive evidence against the suspect. Surveillance footage and evidence found at the residence link him to both incidents.
The further trial will determine Wagner's guilt and possible punishment.
At Boosted.dk you can read a lot more about Tesla and other car brands. We go into particular depth with the hatred that is currently directed at Tesla. Because unfortunately it has also reached Denmark. Read more about it here .
