Man Sets Fire to Federal Courthouse

A brazen act of arson has shaken the city of Portland, as a Southern California man pleaded guilty to attempting to set fire to the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse.

Kevin Benjamin Weier, a 35-year-old resident of Vista, California, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of depredation of government property on August 10, 2021. The charge carries a punishment of up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, Weier was present at a protest outside the Hatfield Federal Courthouse in Portland on July 13, 2020. In a reckless and devastating act of violence, Weier placed a burning piece of wood against the building, putting lives at risk and causing irreparable damage.

The Federal Protective Service investigated the case, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon prosecuted Weier. Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug announced the plea deal, which was entered in U.S. District Court.

Weier’s actions were not only an attack on the courthouse but also a threat to the safety and security of the community. The investigation and prosecution of this case serve as a reminder that those who engage in violent and destructive behavior will be held accountable.

Weier is set to be sentenced on November 15, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Karin J. Immergut. The sentence will be determined based on the severity of the crime and the defendant’s prior record.

As the city of Portland continues to grapple with the aftermath of the protest, this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting public property.

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