US arrest man accused of fire-bombing Tesla dealer
Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a message Monday night to radicals: "If you take part in the wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, we will find you, arrest you, and put you behind bars."
Bondi made clear that this was not an idle threat, noting that Cooper Frederick, 24, has been charged in connection with the March 7 firebombing of a Tesla dealership in Loveland, Colorado.
"All of these cases are a serious threat to public safety," said the attorney general. "Therefore, there will be no negotiating. We are seeking 20 years in prison."
The Department of Justice announced Tuesday that Frederick was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of malicious destruction and attempted destruction of property by fire and one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device.
On March 7, just after midnight, Loveland Police officers responded to a report of arson at the local Tesla dealership, where similar incidents resulting in federal criminal charges occurred on Jan. 29, Feb. 2, Feb. 7, and Feb. 24. Police indicated that an incendiary device had been thrown at the building, then ignited between Tesla vehicles, "putting several occupants inside Tesla at risk." Vehicles at the location were apparently also damaged by rocks in the attack.
Loveland Police Chief Tim Doran expressed frustration at the time over the perceived light touch that a previous alleged arsonist received, noting, "It's incredibly challenging to keep our citizens safe from copycat behavior when there are no repercussions to lawlessness."
Fortunately, repercussions were imminent.
Loveland Police arrested Frederick, a Fort Collins resident, on March 13, and slapped him with five state felony charges, including second-degree arson; criminal mischief; criminal attempt to commit a class 5 or 6 felony; and use of explosives or incendiary devices during the commission of a felony.
Frederick was released on a $20,000 cash surety bond the following day and left the state; however, the FBI caught up with the alleged firebomber and arrested him on federal charges in Plano, Texas.
"You can run, but you cannot hide," Bondi said in her video in reference to Frederick's arrest.
...
The attacks on Tesla dealers came after Elon Musk endorsed Trump. They look like an irrational response to a political decision and probably have little to do with Tesla products or operations. The attacks are crazy enough to warrant an insanity defense.
See also:“This was a targeted attack against a Tesla facility," an assistant sheriff said. “We do believe that it is isolated at this time."
And:
5 armed thugs force their way into residence, but gun-toting homeowner isn't about to back down
The homeowner shot two of the intruders, wounding them, while the other three took off through a bedroom window.
And:
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