A 19-year-old Missouri resident, Owen McIntire, accused of firebombing a Tesla dealership in Kansas City and destroying two Cybertrucks, has been released from federal custody citing, "ADHD, depression, lack of gender-affirming care in jail."
The incident occurred on March 17, when McIntire, a physics student at the University of Massachusetts, purportedly destroyed two Tesla Cybertrucks during his spring break.
Federal authorities attempted to keep the suspect in custody before trial, asserting public safety concerns and potential terrorism charges, following the Trump administration's classification of Tesla dealership attacks as domestic terrorism.
But on April 24, US Magistrate Judge Jessica Hedges approved McIntire's request for pre-trial release, as his legal team presented evidence of his ongoing medical requirements that prison facilities might not adequately address, according to KSHB.
Legal representatives disclosed that McIntire's medical conditions include autism spectrum disorder, ADHD and depression, as reported by KMBC.
Court documents obtained by Fox 4 KC indicate that McIntire had initiated gender-affirming treatment in the month of the Tesla incident, which his lawyers argued would likely cease if he were held in federal detention. “By moving back home with his parents, he will have access to the care providers who are familiar with him and his specific needs,” they argued, according to Daily Mail.
The prosecution noted that McIntire faces a 20-year sentence for the attack, which occurred amidst nationwide protests against Tesla dealerships, linked to CEO Elon Musk's involvement with the Trump administration.
According to reports, the incident began at 11.15pm when several Cybertrucks were set alight. Police discovered an undetonated Molotov cocktail nearby, described as a clear apple cider vinegar bottle with a burnt rag.
Surveillance footage from multiple sources allegedly captured McIntire in distinctive attire, including dark flowing clothes and a women's wide-brimmed hat. The recordings purportedly show the suspect igniting and throwing a device at a Cybertruck.
Authorities identified McIntire through various means, including traffic cameras, GPS data, mobile records, university badge activity and airport surveillance. DNA analysis of the recovered hat yielded a single male profile.
Following arrest at the University of Massachusetts, McIntire faces charges of possessing an unregistered destructive device and malicious property damage using interstate commerce.
The release conditions require McIntire to reside with parents in Parkville, Missouri, participate in mental health programmes, take prescribed medications, avoid Tesla dealerships and remain under monitored home confinement.
A federal court hearing is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
The incident occurred on March 17, when McIntire, a physics student at the University of Massachusetts, purportedly destroyed two Tesla Cybertrucks during his spring break.
Federal authorities attempted to keep the suspect in custody before trial, asserting public safety concerns and potential terrorism charges, following the Trump administration's classification of Tesla dealership attacks as domestic terrorism.
But on April 24, US Magistrate Judge Jessica Hedges approved McIntire's request for pre-trial release, as his legal team presented evidence of his ongoing medical requirements that prison facilities might not adequately address, according to KSHB.
BREAKING: Judge releases suspected Tesla firebomber citing ADHD and no access to "gender-affirming care"
— TaraBull (@TaraBull808) April 30, 2025
INSANE pic.twitter.com/BzGOCkdrIj
Legal representatives disclosed that McIntire's medical conditions include autism spectrum disorder, ADHD and depression, as reported by KMBC.
Court documents obtained by Fox 4 KC indicate that McIntire had initiated gender-affirming treatment in the month of the Tesla incident, which his lawyers argued would likely cease if he were held in federal detention. “By moving back home with his parents, he will have access to the care providers who are familiar with him and his specific needs,” they argued, according to Daily Mail.
The prosecution noted that McIntire faces a 20-year sentence for the attack, which occurred amidst nationwide protests against Tesla dealerships, linked to CEO Elon Musk's involvement with the Trump administration.
According to reports, the incident began at 11.15pm when several Cybertrucks were set alight. Police discovered an undetonated Molotov cocktail nearby, described as a clear apple cider vinegar bottle with a burnt rag.
Surveillance footage from multiple sources allegedly captured McIntire in distinctive attire, including dark flowing clothes and a women's wide-brimmed hat. The recordings purportedly show the suspect igniting and throwing a device at a Cybertruck.
Authorities identified McIntire through various means, including traffic cameras, GPS data, mobile records, university badge activity and airport surveillance. DNA analysis of the recovered hat yielded a single male profile.
Following arrest at the University of Massachusetts, McIntire faces charges of possessing an unregistered destructive device and malicious property damage using interstate commerce.
The release conditions require McIntire to reside with parents in Parkville, Missouri, participate in mental health programmes, take prescribed medications, avoid Tesla dealerships and remain under monitored home confinement.
A federal court hearing is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
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