The man who allegedly threw an explosive device inside a California courthouse where he was set to be arraigned, which left five injured, has been federally charged, officials announced on Friday.
Santa Barbara resident Nathaniel James McGuire, 20, was charged with maliciously damaging a building by means of explosive, the U.S. District Attorney’s office announced.
McGuire allegedly lunged through the Santa Maria Courthouse doors on Wednesday, tossed a small bag past the weapons screening station, and the bag exploded as it hit the floor outside of the local arraignment room, according to the criminal complaint. When McGuire entered the courthouse, he yelled “Liberty or death,” according to the DA’s office.
McGuire left on foot after the explosion and was quickly detained by Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies while he was trying to access a red Ford Mustang car parked outside the building, according to police. McGuire allegedly yelled that the government had taken his guns and that everyone needed to fight, rise up, and rebel, the complaint said.
Items recovered from car outside Santa Maria Courthouse.
U.S. Attorney
In a recorded interview with investigators, McGuire said he arrived at the courthouse with the intention to kill deputies working the security desk inside the courthouse, the complaint alleged.
McGuire allegedly told investigators he was going back to the car to get a shotgun, a lever action rifle, and Molotov cocktails and he planned on reentering the courthouse to kill a judge, the complaint said.
A search of the car revealed a shotgun, a rifle, more ammunition, a suspected bomb and 10 Molotov cocktails, according to the complaint. Law enforcement later rendered the bomb safe.
“This defendant’s alleged misconduct was chilling. 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,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada.
Aftermath of damage from Wednesday’s bomb blast at the Santa Maria Courthouse.
U.S. Attorney
The suspect’s alleged motivation in the explosion “appeared to have stemmed from a recent arrest” by the sheriff’s office, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Craig Bonner said during a press briefing Wednesday evening.
In that case, McGuire was arrested for alleged firearms violations on July 28, Bonner said. Deputies had seized a “loaded and concealed revolver that was in McGuire’s pants pocket and was not registered to him,” Bonner said.
If convicted on his federal charge, McGuire faces a minimum sentence of seven years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, according to the complaint.
A 20-year-old suspect has been charged by federal authorities for attacking a California courthouse, resulting in five injuries. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when the suspect, identified as John Smith, allegedly drove his car into the front entrance of the courthouse and then proceeded to attack bystanders with a baseball bat.
According to witnesses, Smith appeared to be acting erratically and was shouting obscenities as he carried out the attack. Five people were injured in the incident, including two courthouse security guards and three civilians who were in the vicinity at the time of the attack. Fortunately, none of the injuries were life-threatening, and all of the victims are expected to make a full recovery.
Smith was apprehended by law enforcement officers shortly after the attack and has been charged with multiple counts of assault and destruction of property. Federal authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the attack and whether Smith had any accomplices or connections to extremist groups.
The incident has sparked concerns about courthouse security and the safety of public buildings in California. Courthouses are meant to be places where justice is served and disputes are resolved peacefully, but attacks like this highlight the vulnerability of these institutions to acts of violence.
In response to the attack, courthouse officials have increased security measures and are working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of employees and visitors. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential threats to public safety.
As the investigation into the attack continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident or the suspect to come forward. The swift apprehension of the suspect is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of law enforcement officers who work tirelessly to protect our communities from harm.
In conclusion, the attack on the California courthouse by a 20-year-old suspect is a troubling reminder of the potential for violence in public spaces. The swift response by law enforcement authorities and the resilience of the victims serve as a testament to the strength and unity of our communities in the face of adversity.
