In Denver, a woman named Lucy Grace Nelson has been formally charged by federal prosecutors for allegedly vandalizing a Tesla dealership in Colorado. The incidents included her throwing Molotov cocktails at vehicles and spray-painting the words “Nazi cars” on the building, alongside a targeted message for Tesla’s co-founder, Elon Musk.
Nelson made a brief appearance in federal court in Denver following her arrest on the charge of malicious destruction of property. Shackled at the wrists and ankles, she wore casual attire—a purple tie-dye shirt and red-and-black checked pants—as she sat alongside other defendants awaiting their hearings.
During the proceedings, Magistrate Judge N. Reid Neureiter explained her rights as Nelson’s mother watched, sitting in the front row of the courtroom. A query from the judge about the federal nature of the charges prompted Nelson to react, but her attorney quickly intervened. The prosecution argued that the federal government had a vested interest due to the dangerous nature of the “incendiary devices” allegedly used.
Nelson’s financial situation was discussed as well, with her public defender explaining that Nelson relies on family support, leading to no reported income or expenses on her application for legal representation. Both her attorney and her mother chose not to comment post-hearing.
Nelson’s sister, Jennifer McCown, however, spoke about her sister’s character, describing her as loving and intelligent, noting her recent volunteer work with the homeless. Despite the serious allegations, McCown refrained from commenting on the specifics of the charges.
The arrest stemmed from a separate state charge; police state that Nelson returned to the Loveland dealership with more incendiary items and vandalizing tools. Although expectations for federal charges had been signaled earlier, it remains unclear whether state charges have been finalized. Nelson was initially released on bond following the state arrest but has since been placed in federal custody, with her detention continuing pending a forthcoming court hearing.
The potential consequences for Nelson are severe, with a conviction carrying a minimum sentence of five years in prison. This case arises amidst heightened political discussions regarding Elon Musk’s influence over federal governmental policies, especially those initiated by President Donald Trump’s administration to downsize government operations.
Documents submitted by the prosecution allege Nelson created fires using Molotov cocktails crafted from empty liquor bottles. Photos from the complaint depict a small blaze near the vehicles, though damages were reportedly marginal. The dealership has approximated the financial impact of the month-long vandalism spree at between $5,000 and $20,000.
Loveland police acknowledged the possibility of additional suspects in their investigation. Specifically, one of the vandalism incidents involved a profanity aimed at Musk, spray-painted on the premises before a security guard intervened. At Nelson’s arrest, authorities reportedly discovered spray paint cans, gasoline, and materials potentially useful for creating firebombs in her vehicle.
