A Missouri college student accused of firebombing a Tesla dealership has been released from federal custody while awaiting trial, after a judge agreed to allow the 19-year-old to receive gender-affirming medical treatment.
Owen McIntire, a student at the University of Massachusetts pursuing a degree in physics, was arrested in early April in connection to a March 17 arson incident that damaged multiple vehicles at a Tesla Center in Kansas City, including at least two Cybertrucks.
BREAKING: Owen McIntire, the individual arrested in connection with the violent firebombing of a Tesla facility in Kansas City, MI, has been released from federal custody before appearing in court.
Court records reportedly show that McIntire has been diagnosed with autism… https://t.co/CGUVBuLT2b pic.twitter.com/0CA6tk7sWi
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) April 30, 2025
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Prosecutors allege McIntire used a Molotov cocktail in the attack.
The federal government had pushed for pre-trial detention, arguing McIntire poses a public safety risk and may face terrorism-related charges.
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Earlier this year, the Trump administration declared coordinated attacks on Tesla dealerships to be acts of domestic terrorism.
However, on April 24, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica Hedges approved McIntire’s release after defense attorneys argued that remaining in custody would disrupt “serious and ongoing” medical care, including gender-affirming treatment.
🚨BREAKING: Kansas City ‘MAN’ accused of Tesla firebombing and arson was released before court date!
Judge Jessica Hedges decided to release the suspect in a Tesla firebombing case, citing concerns related to ADHD and the lack of access to gender-affirming care.
What is going… pic.twitter.com/VRmoQxaTWH
— 🇺🇸 Larry 🇺🇸 (@LarryDJonesJr) May 1, 2025
According to court filings reported by KSHB and KMBC, McIntire has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and depression.
His lawyers claimed he began receiving gender-affirming care just weeks before the alleged firebombing, and that continued access to this care is unlikely while incarcerated.
“By moving back home with his parents, he will have access to the care providers who are familiar with him and his specific needs,” the defense stated in court.
Prosecutors countered that McIntire is facing up to 20 years in prison and noted his alleged involvement in a broader wave of politically motivated attacks on Tesla dealerships.
Investigators said surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and forensic evidence connect McIntire to the Kansas City incident.
JUST drove by local Kansas City Tesla dealership.. barely caught footage of girl in black dress running away!! 😲😲 @elonmusk @Tesla pic.twitter.com/UjEdbKJQly
— Levi Campbell (@ThaRealLevi) March 18, 2025
According to police reports, a Kansas City police officer responded to the scene at approximately 11:16 p.m. on March 17 after observing smoke near the dealership.
The officer attempted to extinguish a fire that had engulfed a Cybertruck but was unsuccessful.
The fire spread to a second vehicle and damaged nearby charging stations. A Molotov cocktail that failed to detonate—described as a clear bottle with a burnt rag—was found nearby.
Authorities said that footage from a nearby home, local businesses, and Tesla’s own surveillance cameras captured a suspect matching McIntire’s description.
The suspect appeared to be wearing dark, flowing clothing, a wide-brimmed women’s hat, and carrying a light-colored bag. One video allegedly showed the suspect lighting and throwing a device at a Cybertruck before fleeing the scene.
Witness statements also played a role in identifying the suspect. One witness told police he saw McIntire fleeing the scene and provided a matching description.
Another, a Tesla employee, reported seeing a person in the area the next day who matched that description.
Investigators tracked McIntire using traffic cameras, cellphone location data, UMass campus badge history, and footage from Kansas City International Airport.
A wide-brimmed hat found near the scene was tested for DNA and reportedly produced a single male profile.
McIntire was arrested on the University of Massachusetts campus and charged with one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and one count of malicious damage by fire to property used in interstate commerce.
As part of his release conditions, McIntire will reside with his parents in Parkville, Missouri.
He is required to participate in mental health programs, take all prescribed medications, and remain under home confinement with electronic monitoring.
He has also been ordered to stay away from all Tesla locations.
McIntire is scheduled to appear in federal court on Thursday afternoon for an initial hearing.
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