Man Charged in Federal Bomb Attack Injuring Five at Courthouse

Santa Maria man charged in federal court after courthouse bomb attack injures five, faces up to 40 years in prison.Photo byPaul HanaokaonUnsplash

A 20-year-old man from Santa Maria was charged Friday in federal court following a bomb attack that injured five people in the lobby of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse in Santa Maria earlier this week, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

The suspect, Nathaniel James McGuire, is accused of malicious destruction of property by means of an explosive device.

The criminal complaint outlines that McGuire entered the courthouse on Sept. 25, threw a bag containing explosives into the lobby, and exited the building. The explosion injured five individuals, including courthouse staff, visitors, and law enforcement officers present at the time.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies arrested McGuire as he attempted to enter a red Ford Mustang parked nearby. Inside the vehicle, law enforcement found ammunition, a flare gun, a shotgun, a rifle, and a bomb, which authorities safely defused.

A search of McGuire's home revealed additional bomb-making materials, including nails affixed to an empty can and a duffel bag filled with fireworks and explosive powder, according to the complaint.

“This defendant’s alleged misconduct was chilling,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada in a statement. “Not only did he injure five people and traumatize many more, but he possessed a cache of weapons that could have allowed him to wreak even greater destruction. Attacks on our courts, law enforcement officers, and public servants are unacceptable and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.”

Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, Akil Davis, stressed the severity of the incident. “The idea of intentionally setting off an explosive device to do harm and avoid justice shocks the conscience. We are committed to holding Mr. McGuire accountable for this blatant act of violence."

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown commended the swift response of law enforcement officers who arrested McGuire before further violence could occur. “The security of the Santa Maria courthouse was maintained, and the quick actions of our officers and investigators prevented additional harm."

McGuire, if convicted, faces a mandatory minimum of seven years in federal prison and up to 40 years, according to the DOJ.

Notably, a complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.