A California man has been charged in a federal criminal complaint for allegedly carrying out a bomb attack at the Santa Maria courthouse, injuring at least five people. Nathaniel James McGuire, 20, of Santa Maria, faces charges of maliciously damaging a building by means of explosive.
McGuire was arrested shortly after the incident on Wednesday and is expected to make his initial appearance today in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.
“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.”
An affidavit filed with the complaint states that on September 25, McGuire entered the Santa Barbara County Superior Court courthouse and threw a bag into the lobby, which subsequently exploded. The explosion injured at least five people present at that time.
Law enforcement officials apprehended McGuire as he attempted to access a red Ford Mustang parked outside the building. He allegedly shouted that the government had taken his guns and urged others to fight, rise up, and rebel.
A search of McGuire's car revealed ammunition, a flare gun, fireworks, a shotgun, a rifle, more ammunition, a suspected bomb, and 10 Molotov cocktails. Law enforcement later rendered the bomb safe.
At McGuire’s residence, officials found an empty can with nails glued to it, matches, black powder, used and unused fireworks, and papers appearing to be recipes for explosive material.
“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.”
“The idea of intentionally setting off an explosive device to do harm and avoid justice in the process shocks the conscience,” said Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “Make no mistake; we are committed to holding McGuire accountable for this blatant act of violence.”
Sheriff Bill Brown of Santa Barbara County praised law enforcement officers for their swift actions: “The suspect was swiftly apprehended by a court security officer, a sheriff’s deputy, two California Highway Patrol officers, and a district attorney’s investigator; we are proud of their resolute actions that almost certainly prevented further violence.”
If convicted, McGuire faces seven years to 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI and Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office are investigating this case with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Takla and Kathrynne N. Seiden prosecuting it alongside Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman from the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
A complaint is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.