New Mexico man charged with arson at Tesla showroom, GOP headquarters

• A man from Albuquerque, New Mexico, faces federal charges after authorities arrested him in connection with the arson of a Tesla showroom and GOP headquarters earlier this year. A court hearing will take place Wednesday, April 16.
• Jamison Wagner, 40, faces accusations of executing the attacks with incendiary devices and vandalizing buildings with graffiti at both sites.
• If convicted, Wagner faces up to 20 years in prison for each count.

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A New Mexico man faces federal charges after police arrested him in connection with two arson attacks. The Justice Department accused 40-year-old Jamison Wagner of recently committing arson at the Tesla Albuquerque showroom and the Republican Party headquarters.

Wagner faces two federal counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office, District of New Mexico.

What are the accusations against Wagner?

In February, fires at a Tesla Albuquerque showroom damaged two Tesla vehicles. In addition, graffiti spray-painted on the building and other Teslas read “Die Elon,” “Tesla Nazi Inc.” and “Die Tesla Nazi,” accompanied by swastika symbols.

The press release said investigators also recovered a glass container with improvised napalm material in one of the damaged cars.

Tesla dealerships, charging stations and personal vehicles have come under attack as Tesla CEO Elon Musk spearheads major government job and spending cuts as head of the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency.

“Hurling firebombs is not a political protest,” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said. He noted that attackers will endure significant prison sentences for their offenses.

What happened at the Republican headquarters in New Mexico?

In late March, an arsonist targeted the Republican Party headquarters in Albuquerque. The fire inflicted damage on the front door and entry area. Prosecutors said investigators collected glass and metal lids from different glass containers, which resembled the containers with handwritten letters similar to those found at the Tesla scene.

Investigators discovered graffiti containing the phrase “ICE-KKK” on the side of the building. Surveillance footage captured a white Hyundai sedan at both locations. Police used the video to identify one individual involved.

What evidence have investigators reported recovering?

Prosecutors said both arson incidents involved homemade incendiary devices using glass containers and flammable liquids. Investigators identified Wagner by his physical appearance at each scene and confirmed he owned a white 2025 Hyundai sedan.

On Saturday, April 12, FBI and ATF agents searched Wagner’s home in Albuquerque, the press release said. There, agents discovered evidence, including incendiary devices, ignitable liquids and spray paint matching what investigators recovered at both scenes.

Investigators also found the white Hyundai, believed to have been used in the attack, in Wagner’s garage.

What happens next?

Wagner’s court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15. He will remain in custody until then. If convicted of the charges, he faces a sentence of five to twenty years in prison for each count.