Suspect in Santa Maria courthouse attack pleads not guilty to federal charges | Crime and trials

Nathaniel James McGuire, 20, of Santa Maria appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Pedro Castillo in Los Angeles and pleaded not guilty to three federal charges, including using a weapon of mass destruction, malicious damage to property with explosives and possession of an unregistered explosive device, About US Attorney’s Office spokesman Ciaran McEvoy said.

McGuire’s trial is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 17, and he remains in federal custody, McAvoy said, adding that a judge has not set bail.

Federal public defenders Iboh Umodu and Erica Choi are both listed as representing McGuire, but did not return emailed requests for comment Friday. The US Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles declined to comment on Friday.

A federal complaint was filed against McGuire on Sept. 26 on one count of malicious damage to a building with an explosive device, although he was indicted Wednesday in Los Angeles federal court on two additional charges.

McGuire was originally scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 18, although the state attorney applied for a one-week extension because he had not received an indictment at that time, court records show. McGuire made his first appearance in federal court on September 27.

U.S. government officials said the charges relate to Sept. 25, when McGuire entered the main entrance of the Santa Maria Courthouse near the intersection of East Cook and South Miller streets and tossed what appeared to be a bag past security before fleeing on foot. from the courthouse.

According to Darrell Parker, executive officer of the Santa Barbara County Superior Court, the bag fell into the lobby just outside the door leading to the 9th Judicial Department and exploded, injuring at least five people.

As McGuire dropped the bag, he yelled “freedom or death,” according to the federal complaint.

Steven Neal, a courthouse security contractor, immediately chased after McGuire and caught up with him a short distance away as he got into his car, described as a red Ford Mustang. Neal held him until police arrived, Parker said.

Inside the vehicle, police allegedly found ammunition, a flare gun, fireworks, a shotgun, a handgun, another suspected explosive device and 10 bottles of incendiary mixture. McGuire’s home was also searched and more bomb-making materials were found, according to federal officials, who did not release the residence.

When McGuire was arrested, Parker told the Santa Maria Times that several shotgun casings allegedly hidden under the suspect’s clothing flew out onto the sidewalk. The complaint said McGuire yelled that the government had taken away his guns and everyone should “fight, rise and riot.” The suspect was allegedly wearing a bulletproof vest at the time.

During an interview with law enforcement officials, McGuire allegedly said he intended to kill a sheriff’s deputy and a judge.

Court records show McGuire was scheduled to appear at the 9th Precinct on Sept. 25 to face a charge of unlawful possession of a handgun that occurred in July.

Earlier this month, the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office filed a separate state complaint against McGuire, charging him with attempted murder, three counts of arson, an explosives charge, and firearms-related charges.

Deputy District Attorney Kevin Weichbrod previously told the Times that the state’s complaint will remain pending until McGuire’s federal case is concluded.