19-year-old Owen McIntire got some good news yesterday.
The University of Massachusetts physics student was arrested last month after allegedly chucking not one–but two– Molotov cocktails into a Tesla dealership in Missouri.
The results? Hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to cybertrucks and charging stations at the dealership.
Despite being charged with malicious damage to property and possession of an unregistered destructive device, McIntire was released from federal custody yesterday.
So what gives?
Here is the reason for McIntire’s strange release, according to KMBC:
The government sought to keep McIntire in custody ahead of trial, citing a risk to public safety and a statutory presumption of detention for terrorism-related offenses.
McIntire’s attorneys argued for his released, saying he has no criminal record, ties to his community in Missouri, and medical and mental health needs.
Court records say he has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, depression and gender dysphoria, and requires daily medication and treatment.
“He also receives gender-affirming medical care, which began in March of this year and is likely to be interrupted or terminated entirely if he remains in pretrial detention,” a court filing from the judge reads. “This care, along with mental health support, is integral to his wellbeing. By moving back home with his parents, he will have access to the care providers who are familiar with him and his specific needs.”
His attorneys said he would live with his parents in Missouri under strict conditions, including home confinement with electronic monitoring.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica Hedges agreed to release McIntire.
In other words, McIntire’s gender identity helped him get released into home confinement.
Social media erupted with outrage over the news, with many hoping that AG Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel would step in.
Both Patel and Bondi made strong statements against these kind of politically motivated arsons and have managed to ensure other vandals receive justice.
