Nathaniel James McGuire, 20, of Santa Maria, who threw a bomb in a federal court in California, is charged by the FBI with malicious damage to a building by means of an explosive, in addition to injuring 5 people.
The FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a statement to inform that Nathaniel McGuire, was arrested on Wednesday, September 25, shortly after the attack, and appeared on Friday, the 27th, in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. .
“They threaten the safety of our communities”
“The defendant will face justice in federal court for the alleged attack that injured at least five people and spread fear in a county courthouse and throughout a community,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.
“Attacks on our public institutions and our public servants threaten the security of our communities and the rule of law itself. “The Department of Justice will not tolerate this type of attack,” he added.
According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, on Sept. 25, McGuire entered a Santa Barbara County Superior Court courtroom and threw a bag into the lobby. The bag exploded and McGuire left the courthouse on foot. The explosion injured at least five people who were present in the courthouse at the time.
An arsenal in your car
Shortly after, McGuire was detained by law enforcement officers while attempting to access a red Ford Mustang parked in front of the building. McGuire allegedly yelled that “the government took away my guns and everyone must fight, rise up and rebel.”
In the statement they explained that inside the car, an agent saw ammunition, a flare gun and a box of fireworks. Upon searching it, a shotgun, a rifle, more ammunition, an alleged bomb and 10 Molotov cocktails were found. Law enforcement later seized the bomb.
During a search of McGuire’s residence, officers found an empty can with nails taped to the outside, a duffel bag containing matches, black powder, used and unused fireworks, and papers that appeared to be recipes for explosive material. .
“This defendant’s alleged misconduct was chilling,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California.
Could have caused greater destruction
“Not only did he injure five people and traumatize many more, but he possessed an arsenal of weapons that would have allowed him to cause even greater destruction if he had not been stopped. Attacks on our courts, law enforcement officers and other public servants are unacceptable, and it is essential that those who carry out such attacks are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he stressed.
For his part, the deputy director of the FBI field office in Los Angeles, Akil Davis, said: “The idea of intentionally detonating an explosive device to cause harm and avoid justice in the process shocks the conscience.”
“Make no mistake, we are committed to holding McGuire accountable for this blatant act of violence. “As always, we encourage the public to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activity that could pose a threat to public safety,” Davis said.
From 7 to 40 years in prison
Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown shared that the suspect was arrested by a court security officer, along with a sheriff’s deputy, two California Highway Patrol officers and a district attorney investigator. In addition, he said he was proud of the resolute actions that prevented more violence.
The FBI added in the statement that if McGuire is convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors. The FBI and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
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