The California man who set off an explosive in the courthouse in Santa Maria told law enforcement that he planned to kill deputies and a judge.
Court documents in the case revealed more information in the case of Nathaniel McGuire, 20, who is accused of setting off the explosive.
The big picture: McGuire allegedly threw a bag that exploded in a courthouse lobby in Santa Maria, injuring five people, including three with burns.
- He has been charged with maliciously damaging a building with an explosive.
- McGuire was previously arrested in July on suspicion of illegal gun possession.
Driving the news: After the explosion, a five-block radius of businesses, homes, and a school was evacuated.
- Officials found ammunition, a rifle, a suspected bomb, fireworks, Molotov cocktails, and explosives-making materials in McGuire’s car and home.
- McGuire was arrested as he tried to reach his car, shouting about the government taking his guns and calling for rebellion. He confessed to law enforcement about his intention to kill security deputies and the judge.
What they’re saying: “The idea of intentionally setting off an explosive device to do harm and avoid justice in the process shocks the conscience,” said Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s field office in Los Angeles, in the statement.
