A federal judge, appointed during the Bush administration, has sentenced a man named Casey Robert Goonan to nearly 20 years in prison in California due to his involvement in a series of arsons inspired by Hamas. The sentencing was carried out by US Senior District Judge Jeffrey White, after Goonan admitted to carrying out violent acts, including “a sequence of arsons and fire bombings,” back in June 2024 at UC Berkeley and a federal court in Oakland. His attacks were reportedly fueled by the tragic events in Israel on October 7, 2023. He pleaded guilty in January to maliciously damaging property using fire or explosives.
On June 1, 2024, Goonan placed makeshift incendiary devices, or Molotov cocktails, underneath a University of California Police Department patrol vehicle. Just days later, he attempted to escalate the situation by throwing a rock into a federal court, hoping to provoke an explosive response. Following that, he set three additional fires on the UC Berkeley campus and reportedly encouraged others to attack in support of Palestine, according to prosecutors.
Goonan’s attorney, Sarah Potter, has not commented on the case, which may be telling. In a letter to Judge White, Goonan portrayed himself as a troubled youth who, during his college years, became politically active. He highlighted his educational background, stating that he earned a bachelor’s degree in ethnic studies from UC Riverside and a doctorate in African American studies from Northwestern University.
He shared his experiences that led him to be passionate about issues related to racial justice and socioeconomic equality. However, he also mentioned struggling with bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with his mental health declining significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, he was arrested in 2023 for vandalizing a hotel sign during a protest.
Reflecting on his actions, Goonan expressed remorse, acknowledging the potential harm his attacks could cause to individuals in the community and those working in federal buildings. “It was never my intention to hurt people,” he stated. He insisted that he did not see himself as an arsonist but rather as a “passionate, hopeless, enthusiastic activist.”
His attorney highlighted the difficulties Goonan may face in prison, particularly concerning his diabetes management. Support for him, mainly from academic peers, was documented in letters sent to Judge White before the verdict. However, Judge White ultimately labeled Goonan as a “domestic terrorist” during his ruling. In addition to the lengthy prison sentence, Goonan is also required to complete 15 years of supervised release and pay over $94,000 in reparations.
