College spring breaker charged in firebombing of Tesla cybertrucks in Missouri

A 19-year-old college student has been arrested and charged with federal offenses for allegedly firebombing two Tesla Cybertrucks at a dealership in Missouri while home on spring break.

Owen McIntire, a Boston-based student from Kansas City, was taken into custody in Massachusetts and appeared in US District Court on Friday.

He faces charges of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and malicious damage by fire to property used in interstate commerce, according to the Department of Justice.

The incident occurred just before midnight on March 17 at the Kansas City Tesla Center. A nearby police officer saw smoke rising from the lot and discovered a burning Cybertruck and a Molotov cocktail nearby, authorities said.

The fire spread to a second vehicle and damaged two Tesla charging stations. The Cybertrucks were valued at over $105,000 each.

Surveillance footage and forensic evidence, including DNA from a large hat found near the scene, allegedly link McIntire to the crime.

Authorities said he was later seen on security cameras at Kansas City International Airport.

"This arrest sends a clear message: firebombing private property will lead to prosecution and prison," said US Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

The FBI and ATF are continuing their investigation, noting that this marks the second Tesla-targeted arson case in a week. Officials say Tesla locations across multiple states have recently faced similar acts of vandalism and arson.

"These actions are illegal, dangerous, and will not be tolerated," said FBI Director Kash Patel.

McIntire remains in federal custody. No injuries were reported in the incident.