ALBUQUERQUE, NM – A 40-year-old man from Albuquerque is facing serious charges after being linked to a series of arson attacks targeting Tesla properties and political buildings. Jason Wagner is accused of setting fire to two Tesla vehicles outside a New Mexico dealership in February and vandalizing the establishment with inflammatory graffiti, including phrases like “Die Elon” and “Tesla Nazi,” along with swastika symbols.
The incident didn’t stop there. Just seven weeks later, Wagner allegedly directed his aggression towards the Republican Party building in Albuquerque, setting it ablaze. This has placed him among a growing number of individuals accused of vandalizing Tesla locations, an act the attorney general has labeled as domestic terrorism.
Wagner’s downfall was partly due to his decision to use his personal vehicle during these attacks. Surveillance cameras captured him at both crime scenes, providing irrefutable evidence of his involvement. At the Tesla dealership, investigators discovered a glass jar containing a flammable substance, and footage showed Wagner wearing a black hoodie and mask, which slipped off, revealing his identity.
His modus operandi remained consistent. In the attack on the Republican headquarters, Wagner was seen carrying a white box loaded with explosives. After the explosion, he spray-painted “ICE” and “KKK” on the building’s walls, further escalating the violence. Surveillance footage later showed him fleeing the scene in a white Hyundai sedan.
Authorities tracked the vehicle back to Wagner’s residence, where they uncovered a white cardboard box filled with homemade explosives identical to those used in the attacks. They also found a black hoodie stained with paint, spray cans, and stencils used for the graffiti. Wagner, who is a registered Democrat, now faces the possibility of spending up to 40 years behind bars.
In a separate but related incident, another individual, Paul Kim, is under investigation for shooting and firebombing multiple Tesla cars, marking a disturbing trend of anti-Tesla vandalism across the nation.
This series of attacks has sparked a broader conversation about politically motivated violence and the need for heightened security measures. Authorities urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent further incidents.
The community remains on edge as the legal process unfolds, with many expressing concern over the potential for future acts of violence targeting political and commercial establishments.