Colorado man suspected in Tesla arson indicted on federal charges

Second Coloradan Indicted for Attempted Arson at Loveland Tesla Store

A second Coloradan has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly attempting to set a Tesla store in Loveland on fire. Cooper Jo Frederick, 24, from Fort Collins, was arrested in Plano, Texas, after being charged with possessing an unregistered firearm and attempted property destruction. The arrest was announced by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who emphasized the seriousness of the case and the threat it poses to public safety.

Bondi stated, “If you take part in the wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, we will find you, arrest you, and put you behind bars.” Similar incidents of vandalism and property destruction have been reported across the country and the world, believed to be a response to the increasing political influence of Tesla CEO Elon Musk in President Donald Trump’s administration.

Prosecutors are seeking a 20-year prison sentence for Frederick, who was initially arrested on suspicion of arson and possession of explosives in March following an incident at the Loveland Tesla store. Frederick’s attorneys from the Denver law firm Recht Kornfeld have been cooperating with the Department of Justice and are preparing to defend him in court.

Frederick is the second person to be arrested in connection with the arson and vandalism at the northern Colorado store, with Lucy Grace Nelson, 40, of Lyons, facing similar charges in state and federal court.

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