Political Motives Suspected in Firebombing of Oceanside Home/Cars

An Oceanside family and their neighbors had their early morning sleep shattered by fire and chaos on Sunday, July 13. At approximately 2:30 a.m., longtime resident Rick Felkins and his family awoke to find two of their vehicles engulfed in flames in their driveway.

Felkins’ wife, adult son, and two young grandchildren were also in the home at the time. One of the children, who is recovering from a broken femur and confined to a full leg cast, had to be evacuated in what was described as a “difficult and painful maneuver.”

The situation was especially dangerous because a third vehicle with a full tank of gasoline was parked immediately adjacent to the two burning vehicles. Additional flammable materials, including gasoline containers, were stored in the home’s attached garage.

Thanks to the swift response of the Oceanside Fire Department, the fire was contained before it could spread to the residence. No injuries were reported. Two vehicles—a truck and an SUV—were destroyed, while two others sustained less severe damage.

Felkins believes the fire was deliberately set. While the Oceanside Fire Department has not yet released its official report, Felkins said authorities at the scene indicated that physical evidence suggested an incendiary device containing an accelerant had been placed between the two cars. “In other words,” Felkins said, “a firebomb.”

A lifelong Oceanside resident, Felkins suspects the attack was politically motivated. He stated that while he is not involved in any personal disputes or illegal activity, he has been outspoken about his political views. His home, located on a corner lot visible from heavily traveled roads, has frequently displayed conservative-themed signs and flags. Just before the incident, a “Thank You Elon Musk” flag was posted in his yard. In the past, he has displayed pro-Trump signs and the Gadsden Flag (“Don’t Tread on Me”), some of which he said were recently stolen during the night.

According to Felkins, hostile reactions from passersby have been common. “It’s almost a daily thing for people to yell ‘Eff Trump’ or make obscene gestures when they drive by,” he said.

Felkins expressed deep concern that the apparent retaliation against his political speech has escalated to violence. “It’s frightening,” he said. “My family’s safety is my top priority, and this has shaken us.”

As of this writing, the Oceanside Fire Department has not released its final investigative report, but the fire is being treated as suspicious and of undetermined origin. The Oceanside Police Department has opened a case and is investigating the incident as suspected arson.

Felkins is offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s). Asked about his motivation to solve the crime, Felkins, echoing the fictional Bobby Lee Swagger, explained, “I don’t think you understand, they destroyed my favorite truck.”