A 19-year-old university student, Owen McIntire, could be sentenced to up to 30 years in federal prison following charges of malicious property destruction and possession of an unregistered destructive device. The charges stem from a March 17 incident involving the firebombing of several Tesla Cybertrucks at a dealership in Kansas City. McIntire, who identifies as transgender, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The event unfolded late at night when a Molotov cocktail, reportedly made from an apple cider vinegar bottle, was thrown at a Cybertruck, setting it and subsequently others on fire. Additionally, two charging stations were damaged. Although a second device did not detonate, authorities were able to gather a wealth of evidence including surveillance footage from various sources, which portrayed an individual, later identified as McIntire, dressed in dark clothing and wearing a wide-brimmed hat similar to one found at the scene.
The investigation, which involved traffic camera footage, phone records, GPS data, and airport surveillance, led to McIntire's arrest on the University of Massachusetts campus. DNA analysis of the hat found at the crime scene matched McIntire, according to federal authorities. Attorney General Pam Bondi characterized the attack as part of a growing trend of politically motivated vandalism and elevated the case to the DOJ’s national security division.
Bondi issued a stern warning, as quoted by the Daily Mail, "Let me be extremely clear to anyone who still wants to firebomb a Tesla property: you will not evade us. You will be arrested. You will be prosecuted. You will spend decades behind bars.” The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of targeted attacks against businesses and has been labeled as "terrorism" by former President Donald Trump, who cited the rising threats against companies associated with his administration.
McIntire's legal team highlighted his need for ongoing medical care due to sex-change treatments and mental health diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and depression. Citing his lack of criminal history and strong family ties, they successfully argued for pre-trial release under strict conditions, including electronic monitoring and a ban from Tesla properties. Despite this, federal prosecutors contended that McIntire poses a danger to public safety.
The case has sparked a conversation about the intersection of mental health, activism, and national security. The trial is set to begin on August 11, and if convicted of all charges, McIntire faces a dramatic change in life trajectory, potentially spending his formative years in prison. The incident reflects the increasing scrutiny on security measures at technology companies and the broader implications of politically charged crimes.
