Arizona Tesla Arsonist Faces Federal Charges for Cybertruck Fire

Explosion Rocks Mesa Tesla Dealership

Early on April 28, a fiery explosion startled residents near the Tesla Service Center in Mesa, Arizona. Mesa police responded to reports of smoke and flames emanating from a newly delivered Tesla Cybertruck just before 2 a.m. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, preventing it from spreading to the vehicle’s battery or the dealership building. The suspect, identified as Ian Moses, 35, was apprehended shortly after, marking a significant step in addressing a wave of attacks targeting Tesla properties across the nation.

Suspect’s Actions and Arrest

Investigators allege Moses not only set the Cybertruck ablaze but also vandalized the dealership by spray-painting 'THEIF'—a misspelling of 'thief'—on the building’s exterior. Surveillance footage from the Tesla Security Center captured Moses igniting starter logs, leading to the fire, before fleeing on a bicycle. Police observed him riding toward a suspicious van parked near Southern and Rowan avenues, where he was detained. A search of the van, registered to Moses, revealed incriminating evidence, including a backpack with a black mask, a red gas can, a lighter, a can of black spray paint, and a hand-drawn map depicting the dealership’s location marked with a 'T'.

Federal Charges and Domestic Terrorism Label

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced federal charges against Moses on April 29, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance. 'Today we are pleased to announce federal charges against a Tesla attacker arrested in Arizona,' Bondi stated on X. 'If you engage in domestic terrorism, this Department of Justice will find you, follow the facts, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. No negotiating.' The charges elevate the incident to a federal level, with the Justice Department labeling such attacks as domestic terrorism, reflecting the severity of the coordinated assaults on Tesla facilities.

The Mesa Police Department, in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), continues to investigate. Moses was initially booked on state charges of arson of a structure and property, but the federal charges signal a broader crackdown. No injuries were reported, and the swift response by local authorities contained the damage.

Broader Context of Tesla Attacks

This incident is part of a troubling pattern of vandalism targeting Tesla dealerships nationwide, with similar attacks reported in states like New Mexico, Missouri, and Nevada. The Justice Department has charged multiple individuals in recent weeks for using incendiary devices, such as Molotov cocktails, to damage Tesla vehicles and charging stations. These acts appear linked to protests against Elon Musk’s role in President Trump’s administration, particularly his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency, aimed at streamlining federal operations.

FBI Director Kash Patel condemned the violence, stating after a related arrest, '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.' The Justice Department’s aggressive pursuit of perpetrators underscores a commitment to protecting private property and curbing what officials describe as organized attacks.

Evidence and Investigation

The evidence against Moses is compelling. The hand-drawn map found in his van directly tied him to the dealership, and security footage provided clear visuals of his actions. The ATF’s involvement highlights the federal government’s prioritization of these cases, with forensic analysis ongoing to determine if Moses acted alone or as part of a larger network. Local media captured the charred Cybertruck and graffiti, offering a stark visual of the destruction.

Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward, as the investigation seeks to uncover potential connections to other incidents. The Justice Department’s stance, as articulated by Bondi, suggests that prosecutors will seek the maximum penalties, potentially including decades in prison, to deter future attacks.