A federal judge has ordered the release of a 19-year-old student accused of firebombing a Tesla dealership in Kansas City, Missouri. Owen McIntire, who studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston, will be free until his next court date. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica Hedges made this decision after McIntire’s lawyers argued for his release, highlighting that he has no prior criminal record and strong community ties in Missouri.
McIntire’s defense team also pointed out his medical and mental health needs. Court records indicate that he has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, depression, and gender dysphoria.
The charges against McIntire stem from an incident on March 17, when police responded to a fire at the Kansas City Tesla Center. Officers found smoke coming from a grey Cybertruck and an unbroken incendiary device, identified as a Molotov cocktail, nearby. The fire spread to another Cybertruck, causing significant damage to both vehicles, which were valued at over $105,000 each. Additionally, two charging stations were damaged, each worth approximately $550.
McIntire faces federal charges, including unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and malicious damage by fire to property used in interstate commerce. The Department of Justice has emphasized the seriousness of the case, with Attorney General Pam Bondi warning that anyone attempting similar acts will face severe consequences.
As McIntire prepares for his upcoming court appearance, the case highlights the ongoing concerns around safety and criminal activity involving high-profile businesses like Tesla.