On Wednesday, a bomb explosion rocked a courthouse in California, and authorities allege that the suspect had a chilling plot targeting deputies and a judge. Nathaniel James McGuire, a 20-year-old from Santa Maria, faces serious charges of maliciously damaging a building with an explosive, as detailed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Central District of California.
Witnesses reported that McGuire hurled a bag containing a bomb into the lobby of the Santa Barbara County Superior Court while shouting “liberty or death.” Investigators revealed that, post-explosion, McGuire intended to exit the courthouse, retrieve weapons from his car, and return to carry out his lethal plans.
During the search of his vehicle, authorities discovered a shotgun, a rifle, ammunition, a suspected bomb, and ten Molotov cocktails. The motives behind McGuire’s actions appeared linked to a previous arrest in July for firearms violations involving an unregistered, loaded revolver.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Central District of California
Several victims suffered burns but fortunately have been released from the hospital. After the bag detonated, McGuire attempted to escape on foot but was quickly apprehended by sheriff’s deputies as he tried to access a red Ford Mustang parked nearby.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown expressed shock over the incident but reassured that courthouse security remained intact. During his arrest, McGuire allegedly shouted about the government taking his guns and called for a rebellion.
Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, condemned McGuire’s motives, declaring the act of intentionally causing harm with explosives as unconscionable. “Rest assured, Mr. McGuire will face justice for this violent act,” he emphasized.
If convicted, McGuire could be sentenced to up to 40 years in federal prison and is set to make his first court appearance on Friday.
The FBI and local authorities continue to investigate, while the Santa Maria courthouse remains closed, with plans to reopen on Monday. In response to the incident, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office confirmed they are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with law enforcement.