Attempted Arson at Federal Courthouse Lands Southern California Man in Hot Water
PORTLAND, Ore.—A brazen attempt to set fire to the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse during a protest in Downtown Portland on July 13, 2020, has landed a Southern California man in serious trouble.
Kevin Benjamin Weier, 35, of Vista, California, pleaded guilty to one count of depredation of government property, a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Weier was present at a protest outside the Hatfield Federal Courthouse in Portland on July 13, 2020, when he attempted to set fire to the building by placing a burning piece of wood against it.
The Federal Protective Service investigated the incident, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon prosecuted the case.
Weier will be sentenced on November 15, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Karin J. Immergut.
Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement of Weier’s guilty plea.
Weier’s actions are a stark reminder that attempts to damage government property will be met with swift and severe consequences.
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Key Facts
- State: Oregon
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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