Colorado
Colorado man suspected in Tesla arson indicted on federal charges
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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Damage assessments are still ongoing for homes and businesses affected by the Aspen Acres Fire in southern Colorado, but over 200 homes have been confirmed destroyed so far. The United Way of Southern Colorado is working to raise relief funds for those affected and says it’s making progress towards its fundraising goal.
In an update on Wednesday afternoon, Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero said they’ve assessed approximately 67% of the properties affected in the county. Authorities have confirmed the loss of 192 homes and four commercial structures so far and are working to contact property owners as quickly as possible.
Lucero urged everyone affected by the fire to use the survivor portal for more information on assistance.
Custer County Sheriff Rich Smith says they’ve lost approximately 83 homes so far, almost 2% of the county’s homes. The worst hit area is along the Highway 165 corridor, Smith added. He said that authorities don’t expect any new evacuation areas, but are not yet ready to release the existing evacuation orders.
Smith said a hotline is available during business hours for affected Custer County Residents to ask questions. He urged residents to contact them at (719) 467-0271 and advised they may need to leave a voicemail if the line is busy due to the high number of calls.
A flash flood watch is in effect for areas near the burn scar, which could affect nearby homes.
The President of the United Way of Southern Colorado, Shanna Farmer, said the organization is working to raise wildfire relief funds for those affected. Over the last few days, they have reached just over $417,000 of their $10 million goal.
“It has been incredible, the number of individuals and companies who have come out to support, to provide matches, and to provide innovative ways to raise those funds,” said Farmer. “And so, I encourage anyone who is willing to work with us on a corporate, business, or individual level to please reach out because it is going to take all of us to help rebuild.”
Farmer said that the community not only needs help with their immediate needs but also long-term support. She urged anyone interested in donating to visit their website.
The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office says anyone who has evacuated needs to contact the Disaster Assistance Center located at 29 Lehigh Ave. in Pueblo. The center is open between 9 a.m and 6 p.m. and provides multiple resources for those forced to evacuate.
Residents must also visit the center to obtain a re-entry pass, which will allow them to return home once evacuation orders have been lifted. A photo ID and proof of residency are required. Visitors can sign up online to reserve a place in line for faster service.
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Colorado
Julian Lewis Says Deion Sanders’ Colorado ‘Wasn’t Really Looking at Defenses Much’ Last Season
Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis made a stunning admission that could explain the team’s 3-9 finish to the 2025 season.
While speaking to ESPNU at Big 12 media days, Lewis was asked what the biggest difference was between last year and this year, and he revealed that the Deion Sanders-coached Buffaloes typically didn’t watch film during his first season with the team.
“My play, I’m actually looking at the defenses now,” Lewis said. “Last year, we wasn’t really looking at defenses much, just kind of high school free-balling, just out there playing football. But it’s a lot bigger than that now, so it should be fun.”
Before taking a redshirt year, Lewis played in four games as a true freshman with two starts and threw for 589 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions while completing 55.3 percent of his passes. He should fare even better this season with the benefit of film study.
Lewis will enter the 2026 campaign as Colorado’s starting quarterback, so he will have the opportunity to show his improvements when the Buffaloes open the year against Georgia Tech on Sept. 3.
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