Colorado Supreme Court Arsonist Pleads Guilty, Faces Up to 14 Years

Brandon Olsen, a 46-year-old Arizona man, pleaded guilty to felony arson for breaking into the Colorado Supreme Court building in January 2024 and causing over $35 million in damages. Olsen shot his way into the Ralph L. Carr Judicial Center following a car crash, held an unarmed security guard at gunpoint, and started a fire on the seventh floor, triggering the building's sprinkler system which led to extensive water damage. The courthouse required nearly 10 months of repairs and some floors had to be substantially rebuilt, with partial reopening occurring in October 2024. As part of a plea agreement, four other charges including aggravated robbery and additional arson counts were dropped. Olsen is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12, 2025, facing up to 14 years in prison and restitution payments. Authorities emphasized that the plea ensures Olsen's accountability for the significant destruction and disruption caused.