University Student Faces Long Prison Term Over Alleged Tesla Arson Attack
A 19-year-old University of Massachusetts student, Owen McIntire, is facing serious federal charges after allegedly firebombing a Tesla dealership in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 17. Authorities say the attack could land him behind bars for decades if convicted.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, McIntire is accused of using a Molotov cocktail to set fire to two Tesla Cybertrucks – each worth over $100,000 – and damaging two electric charging stations. He has been charged with unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and malicious damage by fire to property involved in interstate commerce.
The incident was first reported when a police officer spotted smoke rising from the dealership. A scorched rag believed to be part of the incendiary device was found at the scene. Despite initial efforts to contain the fire, it spread rapidly before firefighters managed to bring it under control.
Investigators pieced together McIntire’s identity using witness statements, surveillance footage, and digital evidence. A video circulating online appeared to show the suspect fleeing the scene. Additional footage captured him later at Kansas City International Airport, and law enforcement tracked his movements through social media activity, cell phone records, and flight data. He was ultimately arrested in Boston.
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a stark warning in response to the attack: “You will be arrested. You will be prosecuted. You will spend decades behind bars. It is not worth it.”
The case comes amid a recent spike in incidents involving Tesla vehicles, including a separate arson attack reported in New Mexico.
