Nathaniel McGuire, a 20-year-old California man, is facing new federal charges related to a courthouse bomb attack in Santa Maria that injured five people.
McGuire has been charged with using a weapon of mass destruction, damaging a building with an explosive, and possessing unregistered destructive devices, as per the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.
Driving the news: Following his arrest, McGuire admitted to planning to kill deputies and a judge inside the courthouse by throwing a bag with explosives into the lobby.
- McGuire, who had a prior arrest in July for illegal gun possession, was apprehended at the courthouse parking lot, where officials found ammunition, firearms, a suspected bomb, fireworks, and Molotov cocktails inside his car.
- Evidence uncovered during a search of McGuire’s home included materials for explosive devices, indicating premeditation and planning for violent acts.
- McGuire’s intentions to cause harm were evident through his statement yelling “Liberty or Death” during the incident and his plans to return to his car for more weapons before reentering the courthouse to target a judge and deputies.
The big picture: The new charge of using a weapon of mass destruction signifies the severity with which authorities are approaching this case, aiming to hold individuals accountable for violence towards courts and law enforcement personnel.
- In addition to federal charges, McGuire faces multiple counts from Santa Barbara County prosecutors, including attempted murder, using an explosive device, carrying a loaded firearm, and arson related to wildfires near Santa Maria.
