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19-Year-Old Arrested for Firebombing Tesla Dealership

The aftermath of the firebombing incident at a Tesla dealership in Kansas City.

News Summary

Owen McIntire, a student at the University of Massachusetts Boston, has been arrested on federal charges for allegedly firebombing a Tesla dealership in Kansas City. The incident involved Molotov cocktails and has raised concerns about a surge in violence against Tesla properties. As McIntire faces serious charges, authorities indicate he is linked to a pattern of attacks against Tesla, fueled by public discontent over CEO Elon Musk’s actions. The investigation, now involving the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, underscores a worrying trend of vandalism against the electric car brand.

Kansas City, Missouri – Owen McIntire, a 19-year-old student at the University of Massachusetts Boston, was arrested on federal charges related to an alleged firebombing at a Tesla dealership in Kansas City, Missouri. The incident reportedly involved the use of Molotov cocktails and occurred on March 17 while McIntire was home for spring break.

McIntire was taken into custody on April 18 without incident and subsequently appeared in federal court in Massachusetts. He faces charges of one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and one count of malicious damage by fire to property utilized in interstate commerce. These are serious allegations that could lead to substantial legal penalties.

The arson incident was reported to have taken place around 11:16 PM on the night of the alleged event. Federal officials indicated that McIntire is the second suspect arrested within the same week in connection with a string of attacks on Tesla properties in the United States. A police officer blew the whistle on the incident after observing smoke coming from a gray Cybertruck parked at the Tesla Center. Upon investigation, authorities discovered an unbroken Molotov cocktail situated near the burning vehicle.

The flames from the fire spread, causing damage to two Cybertrucks valued at approximately $105,485 and $107,485, respectively. Furthermore, two Tesla charging stations, valued at around $550 each, suffered damage due to the blaze. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with this incident, which is a relief to the community and those involved.

The criminal complaint against McIntire was filed in the Western District of Missouri and was unsealed on the same day of his arrest. Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the seriousness of the crime, warning that attempts to firebomb Tesla properties will result in prosecution and lengthy prison sentences. McIntire’s arrest has raised concerns about a broader pattern of violence directed at Tesla, spurred by public discontent surrounding CEO Elon Musk’s actions relating to federal workforce cuts during his involvement with the Trump administration.

Investigators have revealed personal details about McIntire, noting that both of his parents are professional musicians, which has drawn attention to his background. Surveillance footage has reportedly captured McIntire at the Kansas City International Airport shortly after the incident, further implicating him in the alleged crime.

Officials from UMass Boston confirmed that McIntire is currently a registered student at the university and indicated that campus police assisted federal agents during his arrest, demonstrating the collaborative efforts of law enforcement in dealing with such serious matters. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is now actively involved in the investigation, reflecting the nationwide concern regarding attacks on Tesla properties.

This incident is part of a broader series of attacks on Tesla vehicles across the United States, with numerous reports of arson and vandalism directed against the brand in recent months. The context of rising anger towards Tesla and its leadership has been fueled by various societal issues, underscoring the potential implications of these criminal actions moving forward.