Judge RELEASES Man After ARSON 

A federal judge released a college student accused of firebombing a Tesla dealership so he could continue receiving gender-affirming care, sparking controversy over judicial priorities in violent crime cases.

At a Glance

  • Owen McIntire, 19, allegedly used Molotov cocktails to attack a Tesla dealership, damaging Cybertrucks and charging stations
  • Despite federal charges for property damage by fire and possession of an unregistered destructive device, McIntire was released from custody
  • Judge Jessica Hedges cited McIntire’s need for continued gender-affirming care and treatment for autism and depression
  • McIntire will be under electronic monitoring and strict confinement at his parents’ home in Missouri while awaiting trial
  • The decision has prompted debate about balancing medical needs with public safety concerns

Attack on Tesla Dealership

Owen McIntire, a 19-year-old University of Massachusetts student, faces serious federal charges after allegedly attacking a Tesla dealership in Kansas City, Missouri, with homemade incendiary devices. The April incident caused significant damage to two Cybertrucks and two charging stations at the dealership. Surveillance footage, witness testimony, and DNA evidence led federal authorities to identify McIntire as the primary suspect in the case, according to court documents. The attack resulted in two federal charges: malicious damage to property by fire and unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device.

The firebombing case gained national attention not only for the nature of the crime but also for Attorney General Pam Bondi’s stern warning following McIntire’s arrest. The severity of the attack prompted federal involvement, with investigators collecting substantial evidence linking the college student to the planning and execution of the attack. If convicted, McIntire could face lengthy imprisonment for the destruction caused at the Tesla facility. The incident comes amid increasing concerns about attacks targeting electric vehicle infrastructure across the country.

 

Controversial Release Decision

U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica Hedges made the unusual decision to release McIntire from federal custody despite objections from prosecutors who argued he posed a significant public safety threat. The judge prioritized McIntire’s need for continued medical care, particularly his gender-affirming treatment, which she described as “serious and ongoing.” Defense attorneys successfully argued that detention facilities wouldn’t adequately address McIntire’s specific medical requirements, which include treatments for autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and depression in addition to gender-affirming care.

“Let me be extremely clear to anyone who still wants to firebomb a Tesla property: you will not evade us,” Attorney General Pam Bondi warned following the incident.

The release comes with significant restrictions intended to mitigate flight risk and public safety concerns. McIntire will be confined to his parents’ home in Missouri under strict electronic monitoring. Travel will be severely limited, and the defendant will be prohibited from accessing materials that could be used to construct explosive devices. The judge determined these measures would sufficiently protect the public while allowing McIntire to receive necessary medical care from familiar providers who understand his specific health needs.

Medical Considerations vs. Public Safety

Court documents revealed that returning McIntire to his parents’ home would facilitate continued treatment with healthcare providers already familiar with his medical history. “By moving back home with his parents, he will have access to the care providers who are familiar with him and his specific needs,” according to court files reviewed by reporters. The decision highlights the complex intersection of criminal justice and medical necessity that judges increasingly face in cases involving defendants with specialized health requirements.

Federal prosecutors strongly opposed the release, arguing that McIntire’s alleged willingness to conduct a planned, violent attack demonstrated he remained a danger to the community regardless of his medical needs. They emphasized the premeditated nature of the firebombing and the substantial property damage that resulted. The prosecution team also highlighted concerns about potential flight risk, though the judge ultimately determined that the strict release conditions would sufficiently address these issues. McIntire is scheduled to appear at a May 1 hearing at the federal courthouse in Kansas City to continue legal proceedings.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR