A college freshman home for spring break has been charged in the fiery firebombing of a Tesla dealership in Missouri, federal officials claim.
Owen McIntire allegedly launched the March 17th attack in Kansas City while visiting his hometown of Parkville, Missouri. He’s accused of hurling two Molotov cocktails at a Tesla Cybertruck, igniting a blaze that spread to a second truck, causing thousands in damage. According to the Justice Department, the two Cybertrucks were valued at $105,485 and $107,495.
The 19-year-old allegedly concocted two homemade incendiary devices and used them to destroy” the vehicles, federal officials said. Only one exploded; the other, reportedly made from an apple cider vinegar bottle, was recovered intact.
The fire also damaged two Tesla charging stations worth $550 each.
“This is the second arrest this week of a suspect charged with targeting Tesla, more proof that the FBI will not stand for these destructive acts,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “These actions are dangerous, they are illegal, and we are going to arrest those responsible.”
McIntire faces charges of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and malicious damage by fire to property used in interstate commerce.
“Let me be extremely clear to anyone who still wants to firebomb a Tesla property: you will not evade us,” said US Attorney General Pam Bondi. “You will be arrested. You will be prosecuted. You will spend decades behind bars.”
