Authorities reported that a man who allegedly threw a bomb inside a California courthouse this week, injuring five, was upset about his firearms being confiscated.
Nathaniel James McGuire from Santa Maria, faces charges of maliciously damaging a building with an explosive, the Justice Department stated on Friday. McGuire was scheduled for a court appearance in Los Angeles federal court.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland indicated that McGuire will now face federal justice for the alleged attack, which injured at least five and instilled fear in the courthouse and the community.
According to federal prosecutors, McGuire entered the lobby of a Santa Maria courthouse on Wednesday and threw a bag containing a bomb, which then exploded, injuring five. He fled the scene on foot after the explosion.
Authorities arrested McGuire shortly after as he attempted to escape into a Ford Mustang parked outside.
The Justice Department reported that McGuire allegedly shouted that the “government had taken his guns and that everyone needed to fight, rise up, and rebel.”
Police believe McGuire’s motive was linked to a prior arrest for possessing an unregistered firearm. He was due in court the morning of the incident.
Inside McGuire’s car, a Santa Barbara sheriff’s deputy allegedly found ammunition, a flare gun, and a box of fireworks. Authorities also discovered a shotgun, a rifle, more ammunition, a suspected bomb, and 10 Molotov cocktails.
This is Nathaniel McGuire. He’s 20 years old. He threw a bomb inside our local court house today. He was arrested in July for possession of a loaded & concealed revolver that was NOT registered to him & is also tied to some recent arson cases. He also proclaimed to be a Communist pic.twitter.com/zaqCK3eIw9
— Yennygirl (@SahagunGenesis) September 26, 2024
Law enforcement later safely rendered the bomb inert.
At McGuire’s residence, authorities allegedly located an empty can with nails glued to it, a duffel bag with matches, black powder, both used and unused fireworks, and papers appearing to contain explosive recipes.
According to the police, none of the five injured individuals faced life-threatening conditions. Four were transported to the hospital directly from the scene, while the fifth went on their own.
The victims, who suffered burns among other injuries, have all been released from the hospital. McGuire could face up to 40 years in prison.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Los Angeles Times reports on the federal charges against Nathaniel James McGuire for bombing the Santa Maria courthouse, highlighting injuries, seized explosives, and his erratic behaviour during the arrest. (Read more)
- The Washington Post reports on Nathaniel McGuire, a 20 year old California man, charged with causing destruction at a courthouse using an explosive device, injuring five people and awaiting an appearance in federal court. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who threw the bomb inside the California courthouse?
Nathaniel James McGuire, 20, of Santa Maria.
Why did Nathaniel McGuire allegedly throw the bomb?
He was upset about his firearms being taken away.
How many people were injured in the courthouse bombing?
Five people were injured.
What did authorities find in McGuire’s car?
Authorities found ammunition, a flare gun, fireworks, a shotgun, a rifle, a bomb, and Molotov cocktails.
What is the maximum prison sentence McGuire faces?
McGuire faces up to 40 years in prison.
