Republican Party headquarters is damaged in a fire in Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S., in this handout image released on March 30, 2025.
New Mexico GOP | Via Reuters
The Department of Justice on Monday said it charged a New Mexico man in connection with arson attacks in Albuquerque targeting a Tesla showroom and the state’s Republican Party headquarters.
Albuquerque resident Jamison Wagner, 40, faces two federal counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives, the DOJ said in a press release.
The arrest is the latest in a series of criminal cases filed in connection with attacks on Tesla properties, as the EV maker led by Elon Musk has become a magnet for controversy over his control of President Donald Trump’s government-slashing DOGE initiative.
Jamison Wagner, 40 Driver’s License.
Source: D.O.J.
“Hurling firebombs is not political protest,” deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in the release. “It is a dangerous felony that we will prosecute to the maximum extent.”
Wagner is being held in custody pending a to-be-set detention hearing, the DOJ said.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison for each count.
A Tesla Albuquerque Showroom was targeted in an arson attack. Two Tesla vehicles were involved in the fire, one of which was significantly damaged.
Source: D.O.J.
Tesla and Musk did not immediately respond to CNBC’s requests for comment.
— CNBC’s Lora Kolodny contributed to this report.
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