LOS ANGELES — A California man has been hit with additional charges in a courthouse bomb attack that injured five people, officials said Tuesday, including for three local arson fires.
Nathaniel McGuire, 20, was charged by federal officials last week with maliciously damaging a building with an explosive. Santa Barbara County prosecutors are charging him with 10 counts, including two counts of attempted murder, use of an explosive device with the intent to murder, and carrying a loaded firearm.
He is also being charged with arson of forest land in connection with three fires that occurred on the outskirts of Santa Maria, a city of about 110,000 in California’s central coast region, that officials say were set in preparation for the courthouse attack.
It was not immediately known whether McGuire had an attorney for his local charges. His federal public defender Iboh Umodu declined to comment on his federal case. His family did not respond to calls or messages for comment.
McGuire was arrested Sept. 25 at the Santa Maria Courthouse where he was about to be arraigned on an illegal gun possession charge when an explosion damaged the building and injured five people. Authorities said McGuire threw a bag into the courthouse lobby that exploded and he left the building on foot. He was arrested as he was trying to get into his car, which was parked nearby.
Authorities said they later found ammunition, a rifle, a suspected bomb, fireworks and 10 Molotov cocktails inside the car and other materials used in making explosives during a search of McGuire’s home.
In a federal court filing, federal authorities said McGuire told law enforcement after his arrest that he had gone to the courthouse planning to kill deputies working at the security desk. Authorities said he told them he planned to go back to the car to get several loaded firearms and reenter the courthouse to kill a judge.
At his arraignment last Friday, he had an outburst where he yelled about world events and blamed the U.S. government. He said he had no rights and was “censored” from speaking out.
“You guys are the real criminals,” McGuire shouted, appearing visibly distressed as his defense attorney tried to calm him down.
McGuire is being held without bail in federal custody. After his federal case, he will be transported back to Santa Barbara County to face the additional charges.
A shocking incident occurred at a California courthouse when an explosion rocked the building, leaving many injured and causing widespread panic. The suspect behind this heinous act has been identified as a man who is also linked to three arson fires in the area.
The explosion at the courthouse sent shockwaves through the community, as people scrambled to safety and emergency responders rushed to the scene. The suspect, who has been identified as a 35-year-old man with a history of criminal behavior, was apprehended shortly after the incident.
Authorities have since revealed that the suspect is also linked to three arson fires that occurred in the same area in recent weeks. These fires caused significant damage to local businesses and homes, and left many residents on edge.
The motive behind these acts of violence is still unclear, but investigators are working diligently to piece together the puzzle and bring justice to those affected by these crimes. The suspect is currently in custody and will face multiple charges related to the explosion and arson fires.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and community awareness in preventing such senseless acts of violence. It also highlights the dedication and bravery of our first responders who put their lives on the line to protect and serve our communities.
As the investigation continues, our thoughts are with the victims of these crimes and their families. We must come together as a community to support one another and stand united against those who seek to harm us. Together, we can overcome adversity and work towards a safer and more peaceful future for all.
