A man accused of throwing an explosive device into a California courthouse, causing injuries to five people, has been charged with federal crimes, authorities announced on Friday.
The U.S. District Attorney’s office has announced that Nathaniel James McGuire, a 20-year-old resident of Santa Barbara, has been charged with maliciously damaging a building by means of an explosive.
According to the criminal complaint, McGuire reportedly burst through the doors of the Santa Maria Courthouse on Wednesday. He then proceeded to throw a small bag past the weapons screening station, resulting in an explosion upon impact with the floor outside the local arraignment room. The DA’s office stated that McGuire entered the courthouse and shouted, “Liberty or death.”
After the explosion, McGuire fled on foot. Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies swiftly apprehended him as he attempted to reach a red Ford Mustang parked nearby. According to the police, McGuire shouted that the government had confiscated his firearms and urged everyone to resist, stand up, and rebel.
Items that were recovered from a car outside the Santa Maria Courthouse.
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According to the complaint, McGuire reportedly confessed to investigators that he intended to retrieve a shotgun, a lever action rifle, and Molotov cocktails from his car. His plan was to return to the courthouse and kill a judge.
During the search of the car, authorities discovered a shotgun, a rifle, additional ammunition, a suspected explosive device, and 10 Molotov cocktails, as stated in the complaint. Law enforcement subsequently took measures to render the bomb safe.
According to United States Attorney Martin Estrada, the alleged misconduct of this defendant was truly chilling. He not only caused injury to five individuals and traumatized countless others, but he also had a significant arsenal of weapons that could have resulted in even more devastating consequences if he hadn’t been apprehended.
The Santa Maria Courthouse is left in ruins after the devastating bomb blast on Wednesday.
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According to Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Craig Bonner, the alleged motivation behind the explosion by the suspect seemed to be related to a recent arrest made by the sheriff’s office. He shared this information during a press briefing on Wednesday evening.
According to Bonner, McGuire was arrested on July 28 for suspected firearms violations. Deputies discovered a loaded and concealed revolver in McGuire’s pants pocket, which was not registered to him.
According to the complaint, McGuire could potentially face a prison sentence ranging from seven to forty years if he is found guilty on his federal charge.
Ref. Article: ABC News
