UMass Student Faces Up to 30 Years for Tesla Dealership Arson

A 19-year-old college student has been charged with deliberately setting fire to a Tesla dealership, resulting in significant damages and injuries. The incident occurred in Kansas City in March when Owen McIntire allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at the dealership, igniting two vehicles and causing extensive destruction estimated at hundreds of thousands of dollars.

McIntire, who studies at UMass Boston, has pleaded not guilty to charges of malicious property destruction and possession of an unregistered explosive device. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to three decades in prison.

His case has been escalated to the Department of Justice’s national security division after the Attorney General labeled the act as “domestic terrorism.”

Recently, McIntire was released from custody to continue gender-affirming medical treatment, which his legal team argued was essential for his health and wellbeing. He has autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and depression, conditions that require ongoing medication and mental health support. He moved into his parents’ home under strict conditions, including an ankle monitor.

Prosecutors opposed his release, seeking to keep him detained before trial, which is scheduled for August 11.

Authorities responded strongly to multiple reports of vandalism at Tesla stores nationwide, suspecting protests against Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, and political motives. The FBI has launched a special task force to investigate such incidents, emphasizing the seriousness of these attacks.