Richard Tillman Arrested Amid Ongoing Mental Health Struggles

The family of Richard Tillman, brother of former NFL player and Army hero Pat Tillman, recently revealed that he has been dealing with significant mental health challenges for several years. This statement follows reports of Richard’s arrest after he allegedly drove his car into the San Jose Post Office around 3 AM on Sunday.

Pat Tillman, known for leaving a promising NFL career as a safety with the Arizona Cardinals to serve as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan, tragically lost his life in April 2004 due to a friendly fire incident at just 27 years old.

In a statement provided to NBC Bay Area, their brother Kevin Tillman characterized Richard’s condition, mentioning, “I’m live streaming what I call his transformed self on social media.” He expressed that the family has struggled to secure adequate care for Richard over the years.

“We’re aware of Richard’s arrest,” Kevin shared. “The important thing is that, thankfully, no one was hurt physically.” He also noted that information regarding a fire caused by the incident is still sparse, but they are in contact with local authorities to offer context about the situation.

Kevin emphasized the ongoing battle Richard has faced with mental health, stating, “It’s clear that he has been fighting serious issues. His transformation has been evident in his social media presence. Unfortunately, getting him the right help has proven exceptionally challenging.”

When speaking about the recent events, Kevin admitted feeling “devastated, but not surprised” given Richard’s ongoing struggles with mental health.

At 44 years old, Richard was arrested on arson charges and is currently being held on $60,000 bail, with a court appearance scheduled for Wednesday.

Reports indicate that Richard informed officers at the scene that he is Pat Tillman’s brother, mentioning he had been live streaming the event on social media.

According to Matthew Norfleet, a spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Service, investigators suspect the fire may have been intentional and are exploring whether it was broadcasted live.

Previously, Richard’s deleted YouTube account showcased his controversial views and hinted at plans to “overthrow the government,” further complicating the investigation.

Pat Tillman is remembered for his courageous service, participating in multiple tours including Operation Iraqi Freedom, and posthumously received numerous honors such as the Army Silver Star and the Purple Heart.