Kansas City teen arrested for alleged arson at Tesla dealership: FBI
A shocking incident occurred last month in Kansas City, Missouri, where a 19-year-old college student, Owen McIntire, was arrested for allegedly setting fire to Tesla vehicles at a local dealership. McIntire, who was home in Kansas City for spring break at the time, now faces federal charges related to the arson attack on March 17.
According to the Justice Department, McIntire is charged with unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and malicious damage by fire of property used in interstate commerce. This incident is part of a disturbing trend, as another individual was also arrested this week for similar arson attacks on Tesla dealerships.
The arrest of McIntire sends a strong message that such criminal acts will not go unpunished. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that individuals involved in firebombing Tesla properties will be tracked down, arrested, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The incident unfolded when a Kansas City police officer noticed smoke emanating from a grey Cybertruck parked at the Tesla Center parking lot late in the evening on March 17. An unbroken suspected incendiary device, resembling a Molotov cocktail, was found near the burning vehicle.
The fire quickly spread from one Cybertruck to another, causing damage to two charging stations as well. Federal prosecutors revealed that the total value of the destroyed property amounted to over $200,000.
“This was not an act of vandalism, but a violent criminal offense,” stated Dan Driscoll, the acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The seriousness of the situation is underscored by the fact that such actions have far-reaching consequences.
Despite the gravity of the charges against him, it is unclear whether McIntire has entered a plea. Furthermore, another suspect named Jamison Wagner from New Mexico is also facing federal charges for arson attacks on a Tesla dealership and the state headquarters of the Republican Party in Albuquerque.
The incidents of vandalism, arson, and protests targeting Tesla properties have escalated in recent months across the country. This surge in criminal activities coincides with Elon Musk’s involvement in the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE.
As law enforcement agencies continue to investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for such crimes, it is essential to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety and security of communities nationwide. The incidents involving Tesla vehicles serve as a stark reminder of the need to address such criminal behavior swiftly and decisively.
