BREAKING: FBI Arrests Jamison Wagner for Arson Attacks on Tesla Showroom and New Mexico GOP HQ
In a sweeping takedown of politically motivated domestic terrorism, the FBI and ATF have arrested Jamison Wagner, 40, in connection with two arson attacks—one targeting a Tesla showroom and the other striking the Republican Party of New Mexico headquarters.
The arrest was announced Monday by FBI Director Kash Patel, alongside Attorney General Pam Bondi, Deputy AG Todd Blanche, and Acting U.S. Attorney Holland Kastrin. The coordinated operation involved multiple federal, state, and tribal agencies.
Timeline of the Attacks
- February 9, 2025: The Tesla Albuquerque showroom was firebombed in the early hours of the morning. Multiple vehicles were torched. Graffiti including “Die Elon,” “Tesla Nazi Inc,” and swastikas was found on the property.
- March 30, 2025: The headquarters of the Republican Party of New Mexico was similarly targeted. The suspect set fires at the front door and lobby and spray-painted “ICE = KKK” on the building.
Surveillance footage, incendiary residue, and forensic evidence tied Wagner to both scenes. Agents later uncovered assembled firebombs, graffiti stencils, and matching materials in Wagner’s residence—including the white Hyundai Accent used in both crimes.
Federal Charges and Penalties
Wagner is currently charged with:
- Two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives
- Potential terrorism enhancements under DOJ review
Each count carries a minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years. Bondi emphasized there will be no plea bargains.
What Officials Are Saying
AG Pam Bondi:
“Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence. We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate.”
Deputy AG Todd Blanche:
“Hurling firebombs is not political protest—it is a dangerous felony that we will prosecute to the maximum extent.”
FBI Director Kash Patel:
“Our brave agents not only identified the perpetrator—they stopped future attacks in the making.”
ATF Special Agent Brendan Iber:
“These cases are another example of ATF’s fight against violent crime and our steadfast commitment to justice.”
Political and Ideological Context
The coordinated attacks—one on a tech giant often associated with innovation, the other on the state’s GOP headquarters—were clearly ideologically motivated, as confirmed by investigators. The spray-painted messages, anti-law enforcement slogans, and presence of improvised napalm devices suggest a deliberate campaign of far-left extremism and domestic terror.
Wagner’s arrest follows Attorney General Bondi’s public promise last week to bring the suspect to justice, and appears to reflect a zero-tolerance stance from the Trump administration toward political violence, regardless of origin.
Wagner’s detention hearing is scheduled for April 16, 2025, where prosecutors are expected to seek remand without bail.
Evidence Summary
- Surveillance video at both crime scenes matched Wagner’s physical description and vehicle.
- Recovered graffiti tools and incendiary materials directly linked to both crimes.
- A jar with green gingham lid and hand-marked initials matched those found at both fire sites.
- Eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found assembled in his home.
Conclusion
The arrest of Jamison Wagner marks a significant victory in the ongoing effort to combat ideologically motivated arson and terrorism. With powerful forensic and video evidence, the case against Wagner appears overwhelming. The Trump administration is making clear that violent extremists—no matter the target or ideology—will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.