A non-binary, pro-Palestine, self-professed pacifist activist has been jailed for almost 20 years for domestic terrorism.
Casey Robert Goonan was sentenced to 19 years and seven months in federal prison after committing a series of firebombings at UC Berkeley in June 2024 in an anti-Israel rampage.
The 35-year-old placed a bag of six explosives under a University of California Police Department patrol car, and lit it on fire, causing a blaze to erupt around the car.
Since the initial arrest on June 17, 2024, Goonan, who uses they/them pronouns, has been in custody.
According to the San Francisco Standard, Goonan told Judge Jeffrey White: "After spending over a year incarcerated, I've had time to reflect on the reality of my actions and the reality of my bipolar disorder. I understand that I need treatment.
"Committing an act like this is outside of my general character as my core belief is against perpetuating harm."
In January, the so-called activist pleaded guilty to on count of "maliciously damaging or destroying property used in or affecting interstate commerce by means of fire or an explosive".
The court labelled Goonan a "domestic terrorist" who "committed a felony offence that was intended to promote a federal crime of terrorism".
Casey Robert Goonan was sentenced to 19 years and seven months in federal prison
|ALAMEDA COUNTY SHERRIFF'S OFFICE
According to the Department of Justice, the 35-year-old said Hamas's October 7 atrocity against Israel inspired the attacks and urged other students to destroy campus property in support of Palestine.
United States Attorney Craig H Missakian said: "Freedom of expression and peaceful protest are deeply enshrined values in America.
"Anyone who crosses the line between peaceful protest and violence will be met with the full force of the law."
Two weeks after the first incident, Goonan attempted to firebomb a federal building and a US courthouse in Oakland.
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Casey Robert Goonan has been labelled a 'domestic terrorist' for the incident
|DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
The 35-year-old placed a bag of six explosives under a University of California Police Department patrol car
|DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
More fires were also started on the UC Berkeley campus on June 1, June 13, and June 16, 2024.
Judge White ordered 15 years of supervised release after Goonan's release, as well as a payment of $94,267 (£82,434) in damages.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said: "This domestic terrorist could have taken untold lives had his violent attacks been more successful, and using the evils of Hamas as motivation speaks to his depravity.
"He will have many long years in prison to think about his crimes, and the Department of Justice will continue prosecuting political violence across America."