Guillama-Rosario Threatened to Bomb Puerto Rico’s Capitol

Today’s grim headlines are dominated by the arrest of Ivan Zayd Guillama-Rosario for a chilling threat against Puerto Rico’s iconic El Capitolio. The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Guillama-Rosario with threatening to damage or destroy the building, using an explosive device in violation of federal law.

According to court documents, the sinister threat was posted on Facebook by an account bearing Guillama-Rosario’s name on April 28, 2017. The ominous message read: ‘¡VAMOS A BOMBARDEAR EL CAPITOLIO Y QUE EN PAZ DESCANSEN NUESTRAS CONSCIENCIA!’—a clear and terrifying declaration of intent to attack.

Guillama-Rosario’s own actions sealed his fate. On the same day as the threat, law enforcement officers found him at his place of employment. The defendant confessed to owning the Facebook account and posting the bomb threat.

Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, emphasized the importance of distinguishing between free speech and incitement to violence. ‘There is a fine line,’ she said, ‘and when crossed, it becomes criminal conduct.’ Guillama-Rosario’s case underscores this point.

As protests loom on May 1st, Rodríguez-Vélez warned that federal authorities and local law enforcement will monitor the demonstrations closely, ensuring that those who threaten or promote violence face prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Alum is leading the prosecution of Guillama-Rosario’s case.

Should Guillama-Rosario be convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison, a term of supervised release of up to three years, and a fine of $250,000.