The incident occurred at the Santa Maria Courthouse, where McGuire was scheduled to be arraigned. Officials announced he was charged with maliciously damaging a building using explosives.

According to the U.S. District Attorney’s office, McGuire allegedly entered the courthouse on Wednesday, tossing a small bag past the weapons screening station, which exploded near the local arraignment room.

Witnesses reported that McGuire yelled “Liberty or death” as he entered the courthouse. He attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies while trying to access a red Ford Mustang parked outside.

During the arrest, McGuire allegedly stated that the government had taken his guns and called for rebellion. He later told investigators that he intended to kill deputies inside the courthouse and planned to retrieve more weapons from his car, including a shotgun, lever-action rifle, and Molotov cocktails, to continue his attack. A search of his vehicle uncovered these weapons and explosives, which law enforcement safely neutralized.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada condemned McGuire’s actions, stating, “This defendant’s alleged misconduct was chilling. Not only did he injure five people and traumatize many more, but he possessed a cache of weapons that could have led to even greater destruction had he not been stopped.”

McGuire’s actions were reportedly motivated by a recent arrest on July 28, where he was charged with firearms violations after deputies found an unregistered loaded revolver in his possession.

If convicted of the federal charge, McGuire faces a minimum sentence of seven years and up to 40 years in prison.