A California man, Nathaniel James McGuire, has been charged with a bomb attack at a Santa Maria courthouse that injured at least five people last Wednesday. McGuire, 20, is accused of maliciously damaging a building using explosives.
According to the complaint, McGuire entered the courthouse on September 25th and threw a bag into the lobby, which exploded. He then fled the scene but was quickly apprehended by law enforcement. Upon his arrest, McGuire allegedly made statements about the government taking his guns and urged people to fight back.
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A search of McGuire’s car and residence uncovered a disturbing arsenal, including firearms, ammunition, a suspected bomb, Molotov cocktails, and materials for making explosives.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland condemned the attack, stating that such acts threaten the safety of communities and the rule of law.
“This defendant will now face justice in federal court for his alleged attack that injured at least five people and struck fear across a county courthouse and an entire community,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Attacks on our public institutions and on public servants threaten the safety of our communities and the rule of law itself. Such attacks will not be tolerated by the Justice Department.”
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the chilling nature of McGuire’s alleged actions, highlighting the potential for even greater destruction had he not been stopped.
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“This defendant’s alleged misconduct was chilling,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for Central District of California. “Not only did he injure five people and traumatize many more, but he possessed a cache of weapons that would have allowed him to wreak even greater destruction had he not been stopped. Attacks on our courts, law enforcement officers, and other public servants are unacceptable, and it is critical that those who carry out such assaults be prosecuted to the fullest extent.”
The FBI and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. McGuire faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison if convicted, with a maximum penalty of 40 years.
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