Santa Maria, CA – A series of explosive incidents have led to increased federal charges against Nathaniel James McGuire, a 20-year-old Santa Maria resident. On September 25, McGuire allegedly launched an attack by hurling an explosive device into the Santa Barbara County Superior Courthouse, resulting in injuries to several individuals.
The recent indictment, issued by a federal grand jury on October 23, adds two new charges against McGuire: one count of using a weapon of mass destruction and one count of possessing unregistered destructive devices. These charges come in addition to the initial accusation of maliciously damaging a building by means of an explosive brought against him on September 26.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada expressed his concern over the allegations, highlighting the gravity of the new charge which points to the use of a weapon of mass destruction. The indictment underscores the serious approach authorities are taking in this case.
According to investigators, McGuire targeted the courthouse on the day he was scheduled to be arraigned for a previous felony firearms violation. Allegedly, he leaned into the courthouse, threw a bag containing the explosive device, and attempted to flee. The explosion injured at least five people. Law enforcement officials apprehended McGuire in the courthouse vicinity before he could reach his parked vehicle.
During the arrest, McGuire reportedly shouted that the government had taken his guns and urged people to “fight, rise up, and rebel”. This assertion came following the discovery of firearms, ammunition, a suspected bomb, and ten Molotov cocktails in his vehicle. Subsequent searches at McGuire’s residence unearthed additional materials consistent with the manufacture of explosives, alongside notes possibly detailing recipes for such devices.
The local community remains in shock, according to Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown. Sheriff Brown emphasized the importance of holding McGuire accountable for such actions that have shaken the community deeply.
Currently held without bail, McGuire is awaiting arraignment in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, set for October 25. The cumulative charges faced by McGuire could potentially lead to a sentencing ranging from seven years to life in federal prison.
Additionally, McGuire faces 10 other charges by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, including three counts of arson supposedly committed just hours before the assault on the courthouse. These charges will be addressed sequentially to the federal proceedings.
The indictment and the subsequent legal actions epitomize the law enforcement’s concerted effort to address and mitigate threats to public safety, ensuring that acts of violence and terror do not go unpunished.
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