DOJ Nabs Suspect in Arson Attacks Against Tesla Showroom and GOP Headquarters in Albuquerque

Federal charges have been filed against Jamison Wagner, a self-described “queer” electrical engineer, in connection with recent firebomb attacks in Albuquerque, New Mexico targeting the Republican Party headquarters and a Tesla Showroom.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI Albuquerque Field Office jointly investigated the case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the New Mexico Department of Justice, the Department of Justice said in a press release.

Investigators linked Albuquerque resident Wagner to both incidents through surveillance footage and evidence from the scene, according to the Justice Department.

Wagner, 40, is a member of the LGBTQ+ group “500 Queer Scientists.”

“I have a B.S. in electrical engineering, and am starting my Masters in EE this summer,” his 500 Qs profile states. “My track specialty is electromagnetics/plasma physics and I’m currently working as an intern for a national lab doing PCB design for x-ray imaging.”

His past Facebook posts indicate that he was/is a Black Lives Matter supporter, identifies as “antifascist,” adheres to radical gender ideology, and likes blue lipstick.

The DOJ’s press release included a drivers license photo of Wagner wearing blue lipstick.

 

He has been charged with two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives and faces between five and 20 years in prison for each count.

“We will be prosecuting to the fullest extent of the law,” Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X, Monday afternoon. “We are seeking up to 40 years in prison—no negotiating.”

In the early morning hours of Feb. 9, 2025, the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom was targeted in an arson attack, according to court documents. Two Tesla vehicles were affected by the fire, one of which was significantly damaged.

Investigators found an intact glass container containing “an improvised napalm material” inside the second vehicle.

The vandal also spray-painted messages in red and black paint on the building and six other vehicles, including “Die Elon,” “Tesla Nazi Inc,” and “Die Tesla Nazi,” as well as swastika symbols.

 

The suspect struck again in the early morning hours of March 30, 2025, this time firebombing the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) office using the same types of glass containers as the Tesla attack. The fire significantly damaged the front door and entry area, according to the DOJ.

 

Graffiti with the phrase “ICE=KKK” was found on the south wall of the RPNM building.

After an investigation connected Wagner as a significant person of interest for both crime scenes, FBI and ATF agents executed a search warrant on April 12 at his residence in Albuquerque.  The agents uncovered the following evidence linking him to both arson attacks:

• A white cardboard box containing eight assembled suspected incendiary devices.
• Blue Styrofoam egg cartons consistent with the polystyrene material found in the improvised napalm used in the Tesla fire.
• Materials for manufacturing additional incendiary devices and ignitable liquids consistent with the gasoline used at both fire scenes.
• A jar with a green gingham-style lid similar to one found at the RPNM fire scene, along with several jars marked with handwritten capital letters “I” or “H,” similar to markings seen on lids recovered from both arson sites.
• Black and red spray paint matching the graffiti used at both crime scenes.
• A stencil bearing the phrase “ICE=KKK,” consistent with graffiti found at the RPNM fire scene.

Additionally,  Wagner’s white Hyundai Accent was found in his garage during the search and investigators noticed “modifications consistent with efforts to avoid identification during the commission of the crimes,” according to the DOJ.

“Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence,” AG Bondi said in a statement. “We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences.”

“Hurling firebombs is not political protest,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “It is a dangerous felony that we will prosecute to the maximum extent. The impressive work by law enforcement in New Mexico sends a clear message to perpetrators of all of the shameful attacks on Tesla facilities and political establishments: we are coming for you, you can’t hide, and you will do serious jail time to pay for your crimes.”

“This arrest is part of the FBI’s aggressive efforts to investigate and hold accountable those who have targeted Tesla facilities in various states across the country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Thank you to our agents and support teams in Albuquerque who did an outstanding job executing the mission. Under Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, we will continue to locate and arrest those responsible for these acts of domestic terrorism, and the FBI will work with partners at the Department of Justice to ensure such lawbreakers face justice.”

“A key suspect is now in custody thanks to the exceptional work of ATF’s Special Agents, certified fire investigators, and forensic specialists,” said Deputy Director Robert Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“Our teams worked around the clock—collecting, analyzing, and connecting forensic evidence across both scenes. With the support of our local partners, the FBI, and the rapid work of ATF’s forensic lab, we were able to link the crimes, identify those responsible, and take swift action to protect the public. This is what ATF does best: we follow the evidence, we find the truth, and we bring offenders to justice,” Cekada added.

“The charges today demonstrate that there is no place in our society for politically or ideologically motivated acts of violence and extremism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico. “We are grateful for the tireless and exceptional work of our law enforcement partners to identify the alleged perpetrator of these unacceptable criminal acts and commit to prosecuting this case to the fullest extent of the law.”

Wagner will remain in custody pending a detention hearing which has not been set, the DOJ said.