Nathaniel McGuire, a 20-year-old man, has been arrested and charged with throwing an explosive device into the Santa Maria Courthouse. The charges pending against him are attempted murder, possession of explosives, and using an explosive device to harm others. Nathaniel McGuire was set to be arraigned for his most recent arrest on the day of the incident. It is alleged he threw a bomb that detonated at the security screening, injuring several bystanders. Authorities believe that his prior arrest for a firearm violation might have prompted his actions. He is currently being held without bail while an investigation is pursued.
Santa Maria Courthouse Explosion
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office received a call just before 9 a.m. on September 25 about an explosion at the Santa Maria Courthouse. In the initial call report, it says that an individual walked in and threw a bag at the screening station, which then exploded. The man, later identified as Nathaniel McGuire, was detained outside the courthouse as he was getting into a car. The undersheriff, Craig Bonner, said McGuire was “wearing body armor underneath his jacket.” Authorities had a bomb squad come in to clear out the courthouse and nearby buildings. They also cleared out the suspect’s car and home.
Five victims were treated at a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and all have been released. Authorities believe the Santa Maria Courthouse explosion to be an isolated incident. However, they have not ruled out the possibility of it being something greater. They are investigating and actively monitoring surrounding incidents. There have been no further threats to other courts in the Los Angeles area. However, the Sheriff’s Office is taking the necessary precautions and adding extra security while they investigate. They also believe Nathaniel McGuire could be connected with separate arson-related crimes.
The Pending Charges
After authorities searched Nathaniel McGuire’s car and home, they found some alarming evidence. The United States Attorney Martin Estrada said McGuire “possessed a cache of weapons that would have allowed him to wreak even greater destruction had he not been stopped.” In an affidavit filed with the arrest report, it is alleged that while Nathaniel McGuire was being detained, he yelled that the government had taken his guns and everyone needed to rebel. McGuire injured five people and traumatized people who witnessed the incident. Authorities intend to hold him accountable for his crimes and encourage everyone to report any suspicious activity they witness.
When he was apprehended, he was taken to the Northern Branch Jail to be held with pending charges. Local charges were officially filed against Nathaniel McGuire on October 1. He is facing two counts of attempted murder, multiple counts of arson, and possession of firearms. The three arson incidents allegedly took place just earlier in the day before the courthouse explosion. In addition, he is facing the use of explosive device charges for intent to murder, terrorize, and cause injury. A federal complaint has also been launched against McGuire, and he is further being charged with malicious damage to a government building.
Final Thoughts
Nathaniel McGuire is currently being held in federal custody without bail for the Santa Maria Courthouse bombing. He was out on bail for a separate firearm violation and was expected to appear in the courthouse that day. He is facing ten counts of local charges and separate federal charges. He is expected to be arraigned in federal court on October 18, 2024. Until his federal charges are ruled on, the local charges brought against him will remain pending. If he is convicted of the charges brought against him, he could face anywhere from 7 to 40 years in federal prison.
