Man Arrested for Arson of Tesla Cybertruck in Arizona

Categories: Arizona Breaking NewsArizona State News

The aftermath of the arson incident involving a Tesla Cybertruck at a Mesa dealership.

News Summary

Ian Moses, a 35-year-old man, has been arrested and indicted on five counts of malicious damage after allegedly setting fire to a Tesla Cybertruck at a Mesa dealership. The incident, classified as domestic terrorism, occurred in the early hours of April 28, 2025. Evidence collected included a spray-painted message and items indicating premeditation. Concerns over Moses’s flight risk have arisen, while investigations reveal a worrying trend of violence against Tesla vehicles amid protests against the company’s practices and Elon Musk’s policies.

Mesa, Arizona – A 35-year-old man, Ian Moses, has been arrested and faces federal charges for allegedly setting fire to a Tesla Cybertruck at a local dealership in the early hours of April 28, 2025. According to the Mesa Police Department, officers responded to reports of an explosion around 2 a.m. and discovered a Cybertruck fully engulfed in flames.

Acting fast, law enforcement collected crucial evidence at the scene, including a spray-painted message on the dealership wall with the misspelled word “THEIF.” Authorities have classified this incident as an act of domestic terrorism, a designation announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Following the incident, a grand jury indicted Moses on five counts of malicious damage to a vehicle by means of fire on April 30, 2025. Each count carries potential penalties of 5 to 20 years in prison, highlighting the gravity of the charges against him.

The investigation into the arson revealed that police had spotted Moses near a suspicious van shortly after the fire erupted. Further examination of security footage from the Tesla Security Center identified him wearing the same clothing as the suspected arsonist. During a search, law enforcement officials discovered a black backpack with items consistent with planning an arson attack, including a gas can, a lighter, a mask, and a hand-drawn map of the dealership.

Concerns regarding Moses’s potential flight risk have arisen, as authorities pointed out the well-planned nature of the crime. Despite these concerns, Moses’s attorney argued against pretrial detention, citing that he has no prior criminal history, holds strong ties to the community, and has been diagnosed with autism.

This act of arson is part of a troubling trend of violence targeting Tesla vehicles and dealerships, related to rising protests against Elon Musk’s corporate policies and actions. The FBI has been investigating multiple vandalism incidents against the company, signaling a broader unrest in response to Tesla’s operations and Musk’s public persona.

U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine emphasized that these attacks represent violent actions rather than legitimate protests and have raised serious concerns among law enforcement officials. Several similar incidents of arson and vandalism have occurred across the United States, prompting further investigations into the motives and circumstances surrounding these actions.

The rising incidents of violence linked to Tesla highlight significant tensions around corporate practices and public sentiment towards high-profile figures like Elon Musk, whose controversial actions and policies have sparked debate and unrest in various communities. As the legal proceedings against Moses unfold, the focus will remain on understanding the causes and ramifications of these attacks on Tesla and its brand.