Federal authorities have arrested a New Mexico man in connection with two high-profile arson attacks—one targeting a Tesla dealership in Albuquerque and another striking the Republican Party of New Mexico’s headquarters. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Jamison Wagner, is now facing federal charges and could receive a lengthy prison sentence if convicted, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announces during a press briefing.
Wagner was taken into custody over the weekend following a months-long investigation involving the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and local law enforcement. The first attack occurred in February 2025, when a fire was deliberately set inside the Tesla showroom on Pan American Freeway. The blaze caused extensive damage to the showroom’s interior and several vehicles, but no injuries were reported.
The second incident, a more recent fire at the Republican Party of New Mexico’s state headquarters in March, caused structural damage and temporarily shut down operations. Investigators quickly connected the two arsons due to similarities in the method of ignition and the presence of accelerants.
Authorities say Wagner acted alone but may have been inspired by political and ideological grievances. FBI Director Kash Patel confirms that evidence recovered from Wagner’s residence—including accelerant containers, surveillance planning notes, and online communications—suggests the suspect was preparing for additional attacks. Patel adds that agents believe they “intervened just in time to prevent further violence.”
In a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter, Patel called the investigation a success but warned that “acts of politically or commercially motivated violence will be pursued with the full force of federal law.” U.S. Attorney General Bondi echoed that sentiment, saying more arrests may be forthcoming as law enforcement tracks leads involving Wagner’s potential contacts and online associations.
Bondi says that the government is treating the Tesla incident not just as a commercial attack but potentially as an act of ideological extremism. “We are investigating the motive behind these targeted acts, and we will not rule out the possibility of domestic terrorism charges,” she states.
Former President Donald Trump has weighed in as well, issuing a post on Truth Social saying attacks on Tesla should be classified as domestic terrorism and prosecuted accordingly. “Tesla represents American innovation,” Trump wrote. “An attack on Tesla is an attack on our future, and we need stronger laws to deal with this kind of extremism.”
Tesla has not issued a formal statement but confirmed that it is cooperating with law enforcement and taking steps to increase physical security at its dealerships nationwide. The company’s Albuquerque location has reopened on a limited basis and is expected to resume full operations by late spring.
The Republican Party of New Mexico has also expressed alarm and disappointment over the incident, calling the arson “an attack on the democratic process and political discourse.” Party officials say they are reinforcing office security measures and are working with the FBI to understand the broader implications of the incident.
Jamison Wagner is currently being held without bond at a federal detention center in Albuquerque. He faces multiple federal charges, including arson of a commercial property, destruction of political property, and attempted domestic terrorism. If convicted on all counts, Wagner could face up to 40 years in prison.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities review Wagner’s digital footprint and connections to extremist forums. Officials warn that the case reflects a disturbing rise in politically charged violence targeting both public institutions and private enterprises.
