Casey Robert Goonan has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in federal prison for a series of arson attacks that included attempts to firebomb public facilities in California. The 35-year-old was labeled a “domestic terrorist” by the court, emphasizing the seriousness of his crimes.
Goonan’s actions began in June 2024 when he ignited a police vehicle parked near the UC Berkeley campus. The incident was captured on surveillance footage, showing him placing six Molotov cocktails beneath the car before setting them ablaze and fleeing the scene. Law enforcement later reported that the vehicle was extensively damaged.
On June 11, he escalated his attacks by trying to firebomb the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building in Oakland, armed with three Molotov cocktails. He attempted to break windows with rocks to launch further incendiary devices inside, but security measures thwarted his plan. Instead, Goonan dropped the Molotov cocktails in a planter outside, igniting them before fleeing. Additional fires attributed to him occurred on June 13 and June 16.
In his plea agreement, Goonan admitted that his violent actions were motivated by “despair over Gaza” and explicitly linked his behavior to the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. He even called for similar attacks on educational institutions in the Bay Area to express solidarity with Palestine.
At sentencing, Judge Jeffrey S. White highlighted Goonan’s intentions to intimidate and coerce the government. Along with being sentenced to 235 months in prison, he faces 15 years of supervised release once he serves his time. The court also ordered him to pay over $94,000 in restitution for the damages caused.
Goonan’s case has drawn significant attention. U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian stated, “The use of violence to achieve political aims—or to silence those with whom you may disagree—has no place in our community and our country.” These convictions underline the legal system’s firm stance against violence, regardless of the underlying beliefs or causes.
FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo echoed these sentiments, stating that while free speech is protected, actions like Goonan’s cross the line into criminality, jeopardizing public safety. “Today’s sentencing makes clear that the FBI and our partners will not tolerate violence,” he emphasized.
This case serves as a stark reminder that actions inspired by radical beliefs can have dire legal consequences, reaffirming the commitment of law enforcement to uphold safety in communities. Goonan’s lengthy prison sentence illustrates the severe repercussions for individuals who resort to violence as a means of political expression. The court’s actions send a message about the limits of protest, emphasizing that peaceful demonstration is vital for a functioning democracy, but violence undermines its very foundation.
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