The man who bombed the Santa Maria Courthouse last month faces additional charges related to arson.
Nathaniel McGuire, 20, has already been charged with attempted murder, use of an explosive device with the intent to murder and carrying a loaded firearm.
The backstory: McGuire was arrested on Sep. 25 at the Santa Maria Courthouse for setting off an explosion that injured five people.
- McGuire was scheduled to be arraigned on an illegal gun possession charge that day.
- Court documents state that McGuire told law enforcement that he planned to kill deputies and a judge at the courthouse.
The big picture: Along with the charges related to the bombing, McGuire has also been charged with arson of forest land.
- Authorities have connected McGuire to three fires that occurred near Santa Maria.
- Officials said the fires were ignited in preparation for the courthouse bombing.
What we’re watching: McGuire faces a minimum of seven years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison for the federal charge of maliciously damaging a building with explosives.
- After the federal charges are dealt with, McGuire will be tried by the state for the other charges related to the bombing.
