Sentencing of Domestic Terrorist Linked to Hamas

A man connected to Hamas was sentenced to over 19 years in prison after his involvement in arson on the University of California campus, as revealed in federal court.

Casey Goonan, 35, received his sentence this week following a violent attack last June targeting federal buildings in UC Berkeley and Oakland.

In January, Goonan pleaded guilty to damaging property maliciously. He acknowledged that his actions were a disturbing attempt to support Palestine, spurred by Hamas’ terrorist actions on October 7th.

Attorney General Pamela Bondy commented on his case, suggesting that Goonan’s choices reflect a dangerous descent into violence, indicating that his motives were influenced by Hamas.

Video evidence showed individuals associated with anti-Israel activism concealing bags containing explosives under a police vehicle at the University of California Police Station, situated close to the Berkeley campus.

According to the charges, Goonan ignited one of the bags and fled as the car was engulfed in flames.

Just days later, he attempted to set fire to the Ronald V. Delam Federal Building in Oakland, as court records indicated.

Initially, he attempted to smash the windows with rocks to facilitate throwing Molotov cocktails but faced challenges from security personnel.

Ultimately, he resorted to throwing explosives into a planter beside the building, which he then set ablaze.

Goonan also encouraged others to engage in similar attacks against Israel, reportedly leading to another fire at the Berkeley campus around that time, as prosecutors outlined.

“He will spend a significant amount of time in prison reflecting on his actions, and the Justice Department remains committed to addressing political violence across the country,” Bondy added.