A federal judge’s shocking decision has set free a 19-year-old accused of firebombing a Tesla dealership in Kansas City, Missouri.
Breitbart reported that Owen McIntire, a University of Massachusetts Boston student, walked out of custody despite facing serious federal charges. The ruling has sparked outrage among those demanding justice for the brazen attack.
On March 17, at around 11:16 p.m., a Kansas City Police Department officer spotted smoke billowing from a grey Cybertruck in the Tesla Center parking lot.
The officer discovered an unbroken Molotov cocktail near the burning vehicle. The fire spread, damaging a second Cybertruck and two charging stations.
Judge Jessica Hedges, a U.S. Magistrate, ordered McIntire’s release ahead of his court date. McIntire faces charges of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and malicious damage by fire to property used in interstate commerce. The decision has left many questioning the judiciary’s commitment to public safety.
The Kansas City Fire Department swiftly extinguished the blaze, but not before significant damage was done. The two Cybertrucks, priced at $105,485 and $107,485, were heavily damaged. Two charging stations, each worth about $550, also suffered in the attack.
McIntire’s lawyers argued for his release, claiming he has no criminal record. They emphasized his ties to the Missouri community. The defense also pointed to his medical and mental health conditions as justification for leniency.
Court records reveal McIntire has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He also suffers from ADHD, depression, and gender dysphoria. These diagnoses were cited as reasons to allow his release from federal custody.
The Molotov cocktail recovered by police was a chilling reminder of the attack’s severity. The unbroken device was found near the initial Cybertruck, where the fire began. Its presence underscored the deliberate nature of the crime.
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a stern warning to others considering similar acts. “Let me be extremely clear to anyone who still wants to firebomb a Tesla property: you will not evade us,” Bondi said. Her words reflect the frustration felt by many over the judge’s ruling.
Bondi vowed that perpetrators would face severe consequences. “You will be arrested. You will be prosecuted,” she added. She emphasized that such crimes could lead to decades behind bars.
The firebombing has raised concerns about the safety of businesses targeted for ideological reasons. Tesla, a symbol of innovation, has often been in the crosshairs of radical activists. The destruction of property worth over $200,000 has fueled calls for stricter penalties.
McIntire’s release has amplified distrust in a justice system perceived as soft on crime. Many see the decision as prioritizing the suspect’s circumstances over public safety. The case has become a flashpoint for debates about accountability.
The damaged Cybertrucks were not just vehicles but symbols of American ingenuity. Their destruction, along with the charging stations, represents an attack on progress. The incident has left Kansas City residents shaken and demanding answers.
McIntire’s lack of a criminal record did little to quell public anger. His diagnoses, while serious, are viewed by critics as irrelevant to the gravity of his alleged actions. The use of Molotov cocktails suggests a premeditated intent to cause harm.
The judge’s ruling has been criticized as emblematic of a broader trend of leniency. Many fear it sends a dangerous message to would-be criminals. The release of a suspect accused of such a violent act has eroded confidence in the courts.