LOS ANGELES — A man from California is now facing additional federal charges following his recent arrest related to a bomb incident at a courthouse that resulted in injuries to five individuals last month, according to a statement released by prosecutors on Wednesday.
Nathaniel McGuire, age 20, has been formally charged with several serious offenses, including the use of a weapon of mass destruction, intentionally damaging a structure with explosives, and the possession of unregistered destructive devices, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.
McGuire was taken into custody on September 25 after he allegedly threw an explosive-laden bag into the lobby of a courthouse located in Santa Maria, a city with a population of around 110,000 on California’s central coast. Reports indicate that he expressed intentions to harm deputies and a judge present in the building.
During his arraignment last month, Judge A. Joel Richlin, a U.S. Magistrate in Los Angeles, ordered a mental health evaluation for McGuire due to an outburst in which he passionately spoke about global events and accused the government of misconduct. He has not yet entered a plea and has remained in custody following his arrest.
McGuire is scheduled to appear in federal court once again on Friday. His case is being handled by federal public defender Iboh Umodu, who did not respond to requests for comments made via email.
Prior to the courthouse incident, McGuire was arrested in July for alleged illegal possession of firearms. He was on the verge of being arraigned when the explosion occurred. Federal authorities reported that McGuire was apprehended while attempting to enter his nearby vehicle, where he reportedly shouted that the government had confiscated his firearms and demanded people to “fight, rise up, and rebel.”
Authorities discovered a variety of concerning items in McGuire’s car, including ammunition, a rifle, a shotgun, what appeared to be a bomb, fireworks, and 10 Molotov cocktails.
A search of his residence yielded additional troubling evidence, such as an empty can with nails affixed to its exterior, a duffel bag with matches, black powder, both used and unused fireworks, and documents that resembled explosive material recipes.
In court documents, federal officials recounted that McGuire told them after his arrest that he had arrived at the courthouse with plans to kill the deputies stationed at the security desk. After throwing the bag, he reportedly shouted, “Liberty or Death,” claiming his intent to return to his vehicle for weapons and re-enter the courthouse to kill a judge.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada commented on the severity of the charges, stating that the addition of the weapon of mass destruction charge reflects the commitment to thoroughly address such misconduct and hold accountable those who threaten violence against the courts, law enforcement, and the community.
In addition to his federal charges, McGuire is facing ten counts filed by Santa Barbara County prosecutors. These charges include two counts of attempted murder, using an explosive device with murder intent, and possession of a loaded firearm. He is also facing charges related to arson of forest land in connection with three fires on the edge of Santa Maria.
