Firebombing Terrorist Jailed for 19+ Years

Casey Robert Goonan, a 35-year-old resident of Oakland and Pleasant Hill, California, has been sentenced to more than 19 years in federal prison for his role in the fiery terror against the University of California, Berkeley, and the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building. On September 23, Goonan was handed a 235-month sentence after pleading guilty to maliciously damaging property by means of fire or an explosive.

On June 1, 2024, Goonan set a police patrol car ablaze by placing six Molotov cocktails beneath the fuel tank. The attack, which was caught on video, resulted in flames engulfing the vehicle and posed a grave risk to public safety. Days later, on June 11, he returned with three more incendiary devices, aiming to torch the federal building.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi called Goonan’s actions ‘depraved,’ underscoring that his motivation to commit such violence is rooted in a disturbing trend of domestic terrorism. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg emphasized the need for unity against political violence, saying this sentence sends a strong message that violence is not an acceptable means of protest.

U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian echoed the sentiment, reminding us that freedom of expression and peaceful protest are deeply valued in America, but violence has no place in our society. The FBI Director Kash Patel vowed to use all investigative resources to bring those engaged in such violent actions to justice.

This sentencing is a stark reminder that the Department of Justice is committed to combating political violence and protecting the American public from threats posed by domestic terrorism.