Kansas City, Missouri – A college student from Boston, Owen McIntire, was arrested for allegedly firebombing a Tesla dealership in his hometown during spring break, federal authorities reported on Friday. McIntire, 19, is a student at UMass Boston and made his initial court appearance in Massachusetts to face federal charges.
According to the criminal complaint filed in the Western District of Missouri, McIntire is charged with unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and malicious damage by fire of interstate commerce property. The incident involved the use of Molotov cocktails at the Tesla dealership in Kansas City.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized that those involved in such violent attacks will face the consequences of their actions, with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche reinforcing that there will be no negotiation in dealing with such crimes. FBI Director Kash Patel echoed these sentiments, stating that destructive acts will not be tolerated.
Federal agents, along with forensic experts, gathered key evidence including the Molotov cocktails used in the arson attack. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Acting Director Dan Driscoll highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that such actions are considered violent criminal acts.
The affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint detailed the incident at the Tesla dealership in Kansas City where police officers discovered an unbroken Molotov cocktail near a burning Cybertruck. The fire spread to a second Cybertruck, causing damages estimated at over $200,000.
Prosecutors from the Western District of Missouri and the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are overseeing the case, with investigative efforts from the FBI, ATF, and local law enforcement. The ongoing investigation is aimed at holding those responsible for the violent attack accountable.
As the story continues to develop, updates will be provided to the public on the progress of the case. Authorities are working diligently to ensure public safety and prevent incidents of political violence in communities.