A man has been charged with setting fire to a U.S. post office in San Jose, California.
Richard Tillman, 44, was charged with malicious destruction of a U.S. post office by fire in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(f)(1) on July 20, 2025, according to a criminal complaint unsealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
According to the complaint, Tillman set fire to the Almaden Valley United States Post Office located on Crown Boulevard in San Jose in the early hours of July 20, 2025.
Tillman allegedly purchased “instalogs” and lighter fluid and drove to the U.S. post office. He then placed the instalogs throughout his vehicle, poured lighter fluid over the instalogs, backed his vehicle into the lobby of the U.S. post office, exited the vehicle, and lit the vehicle on fire with a match.
The Almaden Valley United States Post Office was partially destroyed by the fire.
Tillman allegedly told law enforcement officers that he set the fire to make a statement to the U.S. government and that he livestreamed the event on YouTube using his phone.
Tillman is currently in federal custody. He is next scheduled to appear in district court on Aug. 6, 2025, for a status conference.
A criminal complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a minimum sentence of five years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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