A federal grand jury has indicted Nathaniel James McGuire, a 20-year-old from Santa Maria, California, on charges related to a bomb attack at the Santa Barbara County Superior Court. The indictment includes three counts and follows an incident on September 25 when McGuire allegedly threw an explosive device into the courthouse lobby, injuring several individuals.
According to court documents, after the explosion, McGuire attempted to flee but was detained by law enforcement while trying to access a vehicle parked nearby. Inside the car, authorities found ammunition, firearms, and other explosive materials. During his arrest, McGuire reportedly claimed that the government had confiscated his guns and urged others to rebel.
Further investigation led to a search of McGuire's residence where additional explosive materials were discovered. These included an empty can with nails attached and various items suggesting plans for further attacks.
McGuire faces charges of using a weapon of mass destruction, maliciously damaging property with explosives, and possessing unregistered destructive devices. He remains in custody since his arrest shortly after the incident. If convicted on all counts, he could face a minimum of seven years in prison or up to life imprisonment.
The case is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen from the Justice Department’s National Security Division along with U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California and Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch.
The FBI is leading the investigation while prosecution efforts are spearheaded by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Takla and Kathrynne N. Seiden with assistance from Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman from the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.
Authorities remind that an indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.