Pam Bondi Delivers Major Statement – ‘Up To 40 Years In Prison’
Newly released court documents reveal that the Justice Department has formally charged a man in connection with the arson of the New Mexico Republican Party headquarters and the vandalism of a Tesla store.
Jamison R. Wagner, 40, is facing federal arson charges related to a February incident at a Tesla facility in Bernalillo, as well as a separate fire that damaged the state GOP's Albuquerque offices last month. Officials allege that two Tesla Model Y vehicles were torched, and messages such as “Die Elon” and “Die Tesla Nazi” were spray-painted on the windshields, alongside swastikas.
These events appear to tie into broader protests aimed at Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, who has drawn attention for his involvement with the Trump administration’s efforts to streamline federal agencies, including initiatives to reduce the federal workforce.
Attorney General Pam Bondi described the arrest as a part of an expanding federal effort to combat domestic terrorism, particularly those incidents targeting Musk’s EV empire. During a Cabinet session on Thursday, Bondi hinted at the developments, stating that law enforcement had been actively pursuing individuals defacing Tesla-related websites in recent weeks, per the Associated Press.
In addition to the Tesla case, Wagner is also accused of setting fire to the Albuquerque headquarters of the New Mexico Republican Party, where the blaze reportedly caused extensive smoke damage and severely affected the building's main entrance.
According to state GOP Chair Amy Barela, graffiti reading “ICE = KKK” was found roughly 50 feet from the entrance of the building.
In a public statement, Barela called the fire “an attack on the democratic process and the values we hold dear”, while thanking federal investigators for the swift arrest. “We’re relieved no one was injured,” she added, emphasizing the party's intent to ensure justice is done.
A search of Wagner’s home and garage turned up eight suspected incendiary devices, cans of red and black spray paint, and a cardboard stencil bearing the phrase “ICE = KKK”, along with red paint residue, according to court filings.
Wagner remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing, and his attorney has not yet issued a comment.
This case is one of several: the Justice Department has brought charges in four additional incidents involving Molotov cocktails thrown at Tesla cars and even fire stations. In response to the surge, the FBI has teamed up with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), forming a special task force to lead the investigation.
During a White House meeting on Thursday, Pam Bondi informed President Trump that “There will be no negotiations, at your directive,” signaling a strict stance with no plea deals for suspects in the Tesla-related attacks.
Late last month, the FBI stated that it had organized a unit to “crack down on violent Tesla attacks”.
Reports from CNN confirm that Tesla vehicles, charging stations, and even privately owned cars have been frequent targets of vandalism and violence over recent months.
The FBI urged the public to stay alert for suspicious behavior near Tesla dealerships or companies affiliated with Tesla, including individuals surveilling or attempting to access Tesla facilities, or making online threats.
FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the newly formed task force will operate alongside the ATF and other federal agencies to fully investigate what they’ve identified as anti-Tesla attacks.
The Justice Department reinforced its commitment to cracking down on these offenses, especially those involving Molotov cocktails hurled at Tesla properties.
“This is domestic terrorism,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Those responsible will be pursued, caught, and brought to justice.”