Suspected Santa Maria Courthouse Bomber Charged with Federal Crime

Nathaniel McGuire, 20, of Santa Maria. Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office

A California man suspected of throwing a bomb into the Santa Maria District Court on Sept. 25 faces federal charges connected to the explosion, the U.S. Attorney’s Office Central District of California announced Sept. 27.

Nathaniel James McGuire, 20, of Santa Maria, California, was charged Friday in Los Angeles District Court with maliciously damaging a building by means of using explosives, the attorney’s office said.

The bombing suspect also faces several local felony charges of attempted murder, using an explosive device, and possession of explosive devices.

If convicted of the federal charge, he would face a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years.

Authorities said the bombing appeared to be in retaliation to McGuire’s July arrest for alleged firearms violations. McGuire was scheduled for an arraignment hearing Wednesday in Department 9 at the courthouse.

Five people were injured in the explosion, and three of them were burned, according to officials. All of the injured were treated and released Wednesday from a local hospital in the city located about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

Federal authorities released more details about the incident Friday.

According to a court affidavit filed with the federal complaint, McGuire allegedly threw the bag with explosives into the lobby of the courthouse near Department 9 and then fled on foot toward his red Ford Mustang in the parking lot.

Federal authorities said McGuire was arrested and detained by Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies as he was trying to get to his car.

During the arrest, he allegedly yelled that the government had taken his guns and that everyone needed to fight, rise up, and rebel.

A sheriff’s deputy allegedly saw ammunition, a flare gun, and a box of fireworks during a search of McGuire’s car. Authorities also found a shotgun, a rifle, more ammunition, a suspected bomb, and 10 Molotov cocktails, which were later rendered safe, according to the attorney’s office.

Law enforcement’s search of McGuire’s home allegedly found an empty can with nails glued to the outside, a duffel bag containing matches, black powder, used and unused fireworks, and papers that appeared to contain recipes for explosive material.

People gather following an explosion at the Santa Maria Courthouse in Santa Maria, Calif., on Sept. 25, 2024. KEYT via AP

“This defendant’s alleged misconduct was chilling,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada in Los Angeles. “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 destruction had he not been stopped.”

The FBI and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the incident.