A transgender-identifying man, Justin Thomas Nelson, 40, who goes by the name Lucy Grace Nelson, was arrested on Monday after allegedly vandalizing and planting incendiary devices at a Tesla dealership in Loveland, Colorado.
The Loveland Police Department arrested Nelson following an investigation that began on January 29 in response to multiple incidents of vandalism at the dealership and the discovery of incendiary devices.
Police told Fox News that the vandalism included “very offensive messages, derogatory in nature,” though the incendiary devices were not detonated.
On Monday night, Nelson returned to the Tesla dealership carrying materials associated with prior vandalism, along with additional incendiary devices.
Authorities arrested him before he could do any additional damage to the dealership.
Nelson faces multiple felony charges, including Explosives or Incendiary Devices Use During a Felony, a class two felony, Criminal Mischief $2,000 < $5,000 Business, a class six felony, and Criminal Attempt to Commit a Class Three Felony, a class four felony.
He was issued a $100,000 cash surety bond, and authorities say they are working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and that additional federal charges are likely.
Police did not provide any information on Nelson’s motive, although the incident appears to fit with a growing trend of Teslas being targeted by vandals opposed to Elon Musk’s involvement with President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Numerous mainstream media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and even Fox, prominently described Nelson as a woman in their headlines. A brief review of his social media accounts reveals that Nelson is, in fact, male and began going by the name “Lucy” starting in 2021.
“I’ve told some of you already, but I’m coming out 100% now. I am a trans woman. Name is Lucy, pronouns are she/her. I’m happier than I’ve ever been and I’m ready to take on the world,” said Nelson.
Further review of Nelson’s Facebook account reveals posts celebrating George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, and a history of mental health challenges.
“I went to an ER last night because of my mental state. Got some advice on where to go next,” he said in a 2018 post.
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