Albuquerque, New Mexico, April 15, 2025 – FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest of 40-year-old Jamison Wagner on April 12, suspected of carrying out arson attacks on a Tesla showroom in Albuquerque on February 9 and the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) headquarters in March. The operation, conducted by the FBI Albuquerque Field Office and ATF Phoenix Division, also involved the Albuquerque Police Department and New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Court documents reveal that the Tesla attack involved homemade incendiary devices made with glass containers and flammable liquids, damaging two vehicles. Graffiti at the scene read “Die Elon” and “Tesla Nazi Inc,” alongside swastikas. The RPNM attack featured similar devices, with graffiti stating “ICE=KKK.” A search of Wagner’s home uncovered eight assembled incendiary devices, matching materials from both scenes, and a stencil consistent with the RPNM graffiti. Wagner faces federal charges of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives.
Patel emphasized that the arrest prevented additional planned arson attacks, crediting the joint effort with regional law enforcement. The investigation is part of a broader FBI task force, launched in March 2025, to address domestic terrorist attacks targeting Tesla facilities, which have spanned at least nine states since January, including a March 18 arson in Las Vegas, per an FBI bulletin. Attorney General Pam Bondi, overseeing the initiative, took a firm stance, stating, “We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate.”
Public reaction on X reflects support for the arrest, with users like
@TrumpStudents praising it as a win for law and order, though some question the “domestic terrorism” label, citing potential political overtones. The attacks are part of a wave of violence against Tesla, often linked to backlash against Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration. The RPNM attack also underscores heightened political tensions in New Mexico, where the party has faced vandalism amid debates over immigration and election integrity.
As of April 15, the investigation continues, with authorities exploring Wagner’s motives and potential accomplices. The arrest marks a significant step in addressing the recent surge in attacks on Tesla facilities, reflecting the FBI’s commitment to swift justice in such cases. For now, Albuquerque residents hope this development signals an end to the targeted violence that has rattled the community.
