Marina
In a high-profile federal development, 19-year-old Owen McIntire has been indicted by a grand jury for allegedly setting fire to a Kansas City Tesla service center.
The indictment follows a federal investigation and comes after McIntire was arrested in April by authorities while studying in Boston.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred in March 2025, when two Tesla Cybertrucks were damaged by fire in an arson attack. Authorities believe McIntire used a Molotov cocktail to initiate the blaze. Although the fire caused substantial damage to the vehicles, no injuries were reported.
McIntire has been out on bond since his arrest, but federal prosecutors are now pushing for that bond to be revoked due to the seriousness of the charges.
Charges Filed Against Owen McIntire
According to the federal indictment, McIntire is facing three serious charges:
| Charge | Description |
|---|---|
| Malicious Destruction of Property | For allegedly setting fire to Tesla property using a Molotov cocktail |
| Unlawful Possession of Unregistered Device | Related to the use of an unregistered Molotov cocktail |
| Federal Arson Allegation | For targeting a facility involved in interstate commerce |
These charges, if proven, could carry significant federal penalties, including potential prison time.
Legal Arguments and Court Proceedings
McIntire is set to appear in federal court in Kansas City on Friday at 1 p.m.. Prosecutors have filed a motion to revoke his bond, arguing that his alleged actions represent a serious threat to public safety.
However, McIntire’s legal team has responded with a 19-page defense document arguing that:
- McIntire is not an unmanageable danger to the community.
- He has complied with all release conditions since being granted bond.
- No new evidence has been presented by prosecutors to justify re-incarceration.
- Similar defendants in other Tesla-related arson cases have been released under similar conditions.
Community Reactions and Federal Concerns
The case has attracted significant public attention, especially from those concerned about domestic threats to electric vehicle infrastructure.
The Tesla Cybertruck, being a high-profile electric vehicle, has only recently started shipping to customers, making the attack more impactful from a public perception standpoint.
Federal officials have emphasized that acts of arson involving commercial entities—especially those related to critical technology—are taken very seriously under national security laws.
What Happens Next?
With court proceedings unfolding rapidly, Friday’s hearing may determine whether McIntire remains free during the trial. Observers are closely watching how the judge rules on the bond motion and how both parties present their cases in the coming weeks.
The indictment of Owen McIntire underscores growing concerns around threats to tech infrastructure and public safety.
While the legal process continues, the case raises important questions about youth extremism, public protection, and the evolving legal landscape surrounding attacks on high-tech assets.
Friday’s court session could play a pivotal role in determining the path ahead for both McIntire and the prosecution’s case.