California man allegedly throws explosive at courthouse over unregistered firearm charge

A California man’s alleged explosive response to a firearm charge left five people injured at a courthouse as investigators uncovered the potential for “even greater destruction.”


(Video: KTLA 5)

Wednesday at the Santa Barbara County Superior Court in Santa Maria, California, 20-year-old Nathaniel James McGuire was expected to appear regarding a previous arrest related to a charge for alleged possession of an unregistered firearm.

While he did appear, his actions were said to have left five people injured as he was arrested shortly after his arrival at which point he was accused of throwing a bomb into the courthouse.

Charged with “maliciously damaging a building by means of an explosive,” a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California detailed the allegations filed that contended the suspect had lobbed a bag containing an explosive inside the courthouse before fleeing the building.

Outside, he was apprehended as he attempted to get into a Ford Mustang at which point he allegedly yelled the “government had taken his guns and that everyone needed to fight, rise up, and rebel.”

“This defendant’s alleged misconduct was chilling. Not only did he injure five people and traumatize many more, but he possessed a cache of weapons that would have allowed him to wreak even greater destructions had he not been stopped,” said U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Martin Estrada. “Attacks on our courts, law enforcement officers, and other public servants are unacceptable, and it is critical that those who carry our such assaults be prosecuted to the fullest extent.”

Witness Shane Mellon recounted the details of the incident to KTLA 5 as he also described the explosion as akin to the sound of chairs falling over. “It was a loud bang.”

“I think this could have been way worse than if it was not for the deputies just jumping on top of that guy,” he added.

According to court documents, a Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office deputy had spotted a flare gun, box of fireworks and ammunition inside McGuire’s car before a search of the vehicle discovered a shotgun, rifle, suspected bomb, 10 Molotov cocktails and more ammunition.

After the bomb was rendered safe, the suspect’s home was searched and said to have contained black powder, used and unused fireworks, a duffel bag with matches, an empty can with nails glued to the exterior and apparent receipts for the purchase of explosive materials.

“The idea of intentionally setting off an explosive device to do harm and avoid justice in the process shocks the conscience,” said FBI Los Angeles Field Office Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis. “Make no mistake we are committed to holding Mr. McGuire accountable for this blatant act of violence. As always, we encourage the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities which could represent a threat to public safety.”

Officials suspected that the incident was an isolated matter pertaining to his own previous arrest as Santa Barbara County Undersheriff Craig Bonner said, “We do believe this is a local matter that has been safely resolved and that there are no outstanding community safety concerns.”

If convicted, McGuire faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison.

Kevin Haggerty

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