Oakland Man Faces Terrorism Charge in Arson Plea

Casey Robert Goonan, a 34-year-old resident of Oakland, pleaded guilty to federal arson charges after admitting to multiple firebombing incidents in June 2024, including attacks on a UC Berkeley police cruiser and the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building in Oakland. The acts were motivated by Goonan's protest against the treatment of pro-Palestine demonstrators by the U.S. government and UC administration. Goonan used Molotov cocktails in these attacks, which were intended to influence governmental actions and retaliate against perceived injustices. The plea agreement includes a terrorism enhancement, which could lead to a sentence of 5 to 20 years. Sentencing is scheduled for April 8, with Goonan planning to present mental health and geopolitical context during the hearing.