Individual in Custody for Torching Tesla Retail Outlet in New Mexico
In a series of disturbing incidents, Tesla stores and Superchargers have been targeted in arson attacks across at least nine states in the U.S. and Germany. The latest attack occurred on February 9, 2023, at a Tesla store in Bernalillo, New Mexico, which resulted in two vehicles being damaged, one severely. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The investigation into the Bernalillo incident was prompted by this targeted attack. On April 13, 2023, authorities arrested Jamison Wagner, a 40-year-old man, and charged him with arson. A search of Wagner's home revealed additional incendiary devices, black and red spray paint cans, clothing matching what was seen on security footage, and a stencil bearing the phrase "ICE=KKK."
If convicted, Wagner could face up to 40 years in prison. Authorities believe Wagner may have been planning further attacks, which they say were motivated by ideological grievances. The FBI has recorded incidents involving arson, gunfire, and vandalism in connection with these attacks.
In a statement, Tesla CEO Elon Musk called the attacks "insane and deeply wrong." He emphasised that Tesla just makes electric cars and has not done anything to deserve these evil attacks. Attorney General Pam Bondi has pledged to pursue harsher penalties for politically motivated attacks on Tesla.
The arson at the Tesla store's parking lot was deliberately set using an incendiary device containing a gelatinous, napalm-like substance. A glass container believed to have been used as an improvised firebomb was found inside one of the damaged vehicles.
The recent arson attacks on Tesla stores and Superchargers in the U.S. are part of a wave of attacks that also extends to Germany. In Frankfurt, a left-wing radical group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, identifying Tesla as one of its “most prominent enemies.” The group's motivations appear to be politically driven, with the attacks coinciding with the IAA auto show in Munich.
In Germany, the main known location of arson attacks is Frankfurt, within the state of Hesse. Tesla’s German factory (Giga Berlin-Brandenburg) in Brandenburg state has also experienced fire incidents, including a suspected arson in March 2024 that caused production halts and significant financial losses. However, the most recent fire there had an unclear cause and was under investigation.
Other states or countries have reported Tesla vehicle fires, but these were predominantly accidents or technical incidents, not confirmed arson.
In summary, confirmed Tesla arson attacks in 2025 have been concentrated in Germany, particularly around Frankfurt (Hesse) and possibly Brandenburg (Berlin area), motivated by political opposition to Tesla from radical left-wing activists. No wider geographic spread of organized arson attacks against Teslas has been documented in recent months.
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- General news outlets have reported on the arrest of Jamison Wagner for the arson attack on a Tesla store in Bernalillo, New Mexico, amidst a series of arson attacks targeting Tesla stores and Superchargers across multiple states and countries.
- In the context of these political attacks on Tesla, the FBI is monitoring reports of arson, gunfire, and vandalism, while German authorities are investigating a wave of arson attacks on Tesla stores, particularly around Frankfurt and Brandenburg, which have been claimed by a left-wing radical group.
