The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has arrested a 36-year-old man for an arson attack at a Tesla Collision Center. The suspect, Owen McIntire, is facing federal charges for throwing a Molotov cocktail at a Tesla dealership in Kansas City, causing damage to vehicles and charging stations. McIntire was identified through GPS data from his phone and witness videos. The FBI and ATF both described the attack as a deliberate and dangerous arson act. If convicted, McIntire could face a minimum 5-year prison sentence with no possibility of a plea deal.
The attacks on Tesla property have been on the rise as a result of public backlash against Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his decisions as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk’s actions have led to layoffs and firings of federal employees, causing protests and vandalism at Tesla dealerships across the country. Despite the criticism, Musk has defended his actions, calling DOGE a revolution bigger than the American Revolution. President Donald Trump has supported Musk, referring to him as a “great patriot.”
Multiple individuals in various states have been charged with crimes related to fires, gunshots, and graffiti on Tesla property. The attacks have been described as acts of domestic terrorism by Attorney General Pamela Bondi. The government has pledged to prosecute those responsible for these actions and ensure they face consequences for their dangerous and illegal behavior.
