A woman has been charged by federal prosecutors following a series of vandalism incidents at a Tesla dealership in Colorado. The charges include throwing Molotov cocktails at vehicles and spray painting “Nazi cars” on the dealership’s building, along with a message that seemed to target Tesla’s co-founder, Elon Musk.
Lucy Grace Nelson appeared in a Denver federal court on Thursday after her arrest. Shackled at her ankles and wrists, she wore a colorful tie-dye shirt and checked pants as she waited with other defendants. During the hearing, Nelson showed signs of distress as the Magistrate Judge explained her rights, while her mother looked on from the gallery.
When questioned about the federal charges, Nelson attempted to speak, but her public defender intervened to prevent her from saying anything. A representative from the U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the government’s serious concerns regarding the “dangerous devices” alleged to have been used in the attacks.
In her application for a public defender, Nelson claimed she had no income or expenses, though her attorney disclosed that she received family support.
After the hearing, both Nelson’s mother and her attorney declined to comment. However, her sister, Jennifer McCown, defended her, describing her as a caring and intelligent person who has been volunteering to help feed the homeless. She did not address the specifics of the allegations against her sister.
Nelson was taken into custody following a separate state accusation when she returned to the Loveland dealership with more incendiary materials. While it remains unclear if state charges were formally filed, police expected federal charges to proceed.
Initially released on bond after the state charges, Nelson was taken into federal custody the following day. She will remain detained pending further court proceedings. If convicted of the federal charge, she faces a minimum prison sentence of five years.
The situation has further fueled discussions among politicians, with both parties expressing concerns over Musk’s growing influence, particularly in connection to the Trump administration. Recent incidents of protests at Tesla locations around the country have also added to the scrutiny.
Federal officials have alleged that Nelson set small fires using Molotov cocktails and that her actions resulted in estimated damages of $5,000 to $20,000 at the dealership. Local police are looking into the possibility of additional individuals being involved in the vandalism. One incident reportedly involved someone spray painting an obscenity aimed at Musk, before they were chased away by security.
When police arrested Nelson, they found evidence in her vehicle, including spray paint cans, gasoline, and other materials that could be used to create incendiary devices.
