McGuire Charged in Santa Maria Courthouse Bombing

Nathaniel James McGuire, a 20-year-old from Santa Maria, California, faces multiple federal charges, including using a weapon of mass destruction, following a courthouse bombing that injured five people on September 25, 2024. McGuire allegedly threw an explosive device into the lobby of the Santa Barbara County Superior Court and fled the scene. He has been charged with maliciously damaging a building and possessing unregistered destructive devices, with potential prison sentences ranging from seven years to life if convicted. Authorities found additional weapons and bomb-making materials in McGuire's vehicle and home, and he had expressed intentions to target law enforcement personnel. His arraignment is scheduled for October 25 in Los Angeles. The U.S. Attorney's Office emphasizes the seriousness of the charges, reflecting a commitment to addressing violence against public officials and institutions.