New Mexico man charged with arson, vandalism at Tesla dealership and GOP headquarters – Washington Examiner
A man from New Mexico, Jamison Wagner, has been charged with federal arson crimes for allegedly vandalizing a Tesla dealership and setting a fire at teh state’s GOP headquarters in Albuquerque. Wagner,40,faces two counts of malicious property damage by fire or explosives,each carrying a potential 20-year prison sentence if convicted.
In February, he reportedly defaced the Tesla dealership with anti-Tesla slogans and swastikas, causing meaningful damage to two vehicles. In March, he allegedly committed arson at the Republican Party’s headquarters, damaging the building and graffitiing derogatory messages. both incidents are seen as part of a broader trend of political violence fueled by tensions surrounding political figures like Elon Musk.
Local Republican Party officials expressed their gratitude to law enforcement for the swift arrest and condemned the attacks as affronts to democratic processes.The Democratic Party of New Mexico echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that politically motivated violence is unacceptable.
New Mexico man charged with arson, vandalism at Tesla dealership and GOP headquarters
A New Mexico man was charged with federal arson crimes for allegedly vandalizing a Tesla dealership and starting a fire at the state’s GOP headquarters in Albuquerque.
Jamison Wagner, 40, was charged with two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives. He faces up to 20 years in prison for each count if convicted.
“Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. “We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences.”
Wagner allegedly vandalized the Tesla dealership in February with various phrases, including “Die Elon,” “Tesla Nazi Inc,” and “Die Tesla Nazi,” along with swastikas, according to court filings. He also allegedly started a fire affecting two Tesla vehicles, significantly damaging one of them.
Protests and attacks on Tesla vehicles and dealerships have surged in response to Elon Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration.
Wagner allegedly committed an arson attack on the New Mexico Republican Party’s headquarters in March, damaging the front door and entry area of the building. He also allegedly graffitied the phrase “ICE=KKK” on an outdoor wall of the building, according to the Justice Department’s court filing.
New Mexico Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Barela said she was “grateful” to the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for investigating the incident and securing the arrest of the suspect.
“The attack on our headquarters was not just an attack on a building; it was an attack on the democratic process and the values we hold dear. We are relieved that no one was harmed and are committed to ensuring that justice is served,” Barela said.
“Let this send a clear message to anyone who may be considering similar acts: you will be found, and you will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Attempting to silence through violence, intimidation, or threats is not how the Republican Party — or any freedom-loving American — negotiates,” she added. “We stand strong in the face of hate, and we will continue to defend our right to participate freely and safely in the political process.”
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The Democratic Party of New Mexico also released a statement expressing its gratitude for law enforcement arresting the suspect.
“Should this individual be found guilty, we hope the U.S. Department of Justice holds them accountable,” the party said in an X post. “Politically motivated violence & vandalism are never acceptable.”
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