Colorado man suspected in Tesla arson indicted on federal charges

Katie Langford, The Denver Post on Apr 1, 2025

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DENVER — A second Coloradan suspected of trying to set a Loveland Tesla store on fire was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with possessing an unregistered firearm and attempted property destruction.

Cooper Jo Frederick, 24, of Fort Collins was arrested in Plano, Texas, after a grand jury indicted him on two felony counts Thursday, according to court records.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Frederick’s arrest on social media and said there would be “no negotiating” because the case and others like it are a threat to public safety.

“I’ve made it clear: if you take part in the wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, we will find you, arrest you and put you behind bars,” Bondi said in a video posted on X.

Similar incidents of vandalism and property destruction have been reported throughout the country and world, an apparent backlash to the rising political influence of billionaire Tesla CEO Elon Musk in President Donald Trump’s administration.

Prosecutors will seek 20 years in prison in the case, Bondi said.

Frederick was arrested on suspicion of arson, possession of explosives and other state felony charges in March after Loveland police say he set a fire outside a Tesla store on March 7 and found an “incendiary device” at the scene.

In a statement, Frederick’s attorneys with Denver law firm Recht Kornfeld said Frederick and his counsel have been in touch with the Department of Justice and have cooperated in getting him to Colorado.

“We are in the process of gathering information and facts, and will rely on the professionalism of the U.S. Attorney in our district to treat Mr. Frederick fairly despite the recent press statements from Washington, D.C.,” Recht Kornfeld attorney Kelly Page said in a statement. “We intend to litigate this case in court, like any other federal criminal matter, and not in the media.”

Frederick is the second person arrested on suspicion of arson and vandalism at the northern Colorado store. Lucy Grace Nelson, 40, of Lyons, faces similar charges in state and federal court.

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