On April 30, 2025, a federal grand jury in Phoenix indicted Ian William Moses, a 35-year-old resident of Mesa, Arizona, on charges of maliciously damaging property and vehicles in interstate commerce by fire. The indictment lists five counts against Moses, stemming from an incident at a Tesla dealership in Mesa.
According to the case documents, Moses allegedly visited the Tesla dealership just before 2 a.m. on April 28, 2025, dressed in a dark hooded sweatshirt, tan ballcap, gray pants, black boots, and a black mask. Surveillance captured him with a red gas can and a black backpack near the dealership. He reportedly placed fire starter logs next to the building, poured gasoline on them, as well as on the building and three Tesla cars; he then ignited the logs. The resulting fire destroyed a silver Tesla Cybertruck. Moses was seen leaving the scene on a dark bicycle.
Mesa police apprehended Moses about a quarter of a mile from the scene around 3 a.m., when he was still wearing the same attire as captured in the video. Officers found a hand-drawn map in his possession, marking the dealership's location with a "T."
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, "If you engage in domestic terrorism, this Department of Justice will find you, follow the facts, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."
ATF Acting Director Dan Driscoll acknowledged the teamwork and efficiency in handling the investigation, emphasizing the threat to public safety. He remarked, "ATF’s Special Agents and forensic investigators, working with the FBI and local partners, quickly recovered and analyzed critical evidence following this deliberate attack."
U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine noted, “There is nothing American about burning down someone else’s business because you disagree with them politically.” He stressed that violent targeting of Tesla or any business would be met with legal consequences.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber commended the cooperation with local law enforcement, illustrating how collaboration helps remove violent criminals from the streets. Mesa Police Chief Ken Cost recognized the efforts of local officers and specialty units in the investigation, highlighting their role in identifying suspicious activity near the dealership.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell affirmed her office's willingness to support federal efforts in prosecuting the case, citing a strong track record in handling similar crimes.
Each conviction for malicious damage to property in interstate commerce could result in a minimum of 5 years to a maximum of 20 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000.
The investigation involves the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, and local authorities. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond K. Woo is in charge of the prosecution.
An indictment is a formal charge and does not imply guilt. Those accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.