A 19-year-old male college student has been arrested for allegedly setting two Tesla Cybertrucks on fire with homemade Molotov cocktails, according to an announcement from the Justice Department.
Suspect Owen McIntire is charged with one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and one count of malicious damage by fire to property used in interstate commerce.
The FBI identified McIntire using surveillance footage and cell phone data.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi said:
“Let me be extremely clear to anyone who still wants to firebomb a Tesla property: you will not evade us.
You will be arrested. You will be prosecuted. You will spend decades behind bars. It is not worth it.”
Last month, police discovered smoke emanating from a Cybertruck near the KC Tesla Showroom. While the officer was able to extinguish the fire outside the vehicle, he could not stop the burning of the Cybertruck, which eventually spread to a second vehicle, causing an estimated $100,000 in damage.
The suspect was seen on surveillance footage near the crime scene “wearing dark flowy clothing and a large, white-colored hat,” according to an affidavit.
The FBI eventually matched the car seen near the scene with surveillance footage and witness testimony, linking it to McIntire.
McIntire reportedly carried out the attack while home from the University of Massachusetts Boston on spring break.
Tesla facilities have been the subject of multiple attacks following cost-cutting efforts by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“This is the second arrest this week of a suspect charged with targeting Tesla, more proof that the FBI will not stand for these destructive acts,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.
“These actions are dangerous, they are illegal, and we are going to arrest those responsible.”
Earlier this month, Bondi also announced federal charges against Cooper Frederick, 24, in the firebombing of the Tesla dealership in Loveland, Colorado.
Frederick, who targeted the Loveland Tesla dealership with an incendiary device last month, was arrested on March 14 and charged with second-degree arson, use of explosives or incendiary devices during a felony, criminal mischief, and other crimes.
Bondi warned others planning to take part in acts of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties:
“I’ve made it clear, if you take part in the wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, we will find you, arrest you, and put you behind bars.
Today, I’m proud to announce that the Department of Justice has unsealed federal charges against another Tesla attacker.
We’ve charged Cooper Frederick in the firebombing of a Tesla dealership that occurred on March 7 in Loveland, Colorado.
There will be no negotiating. We are seeking 20 years in prison.
The crime was committed in Colorado, and thanks to the great investigative work by the FBI, the defendant was arrested in Plano, Texas. Let this be a warning. You can run, but you cannot hide. Justice is coming.”
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