A Hamas-inspired domestic terrorist has been sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for firebombing attacks on UC Berkeley and a federal courthouse, marking a decisive victory for law and order against extremist violence on American soil.
Story Highlights
- Casey Robert Goonan, 35, sentenced to 19 years for arson and attempted firebombings inspired by Hamas attacks
- Targeted UC Berkeley police car and Oakland federal courthouse with Molotov cocktails in June 2024
- Judge Jeffrey White labeled Goonan a domestic terrorist during sentencing proceedings
- Perpetrator must pay nearly $95,000 in restitution and face 15 years supervised release
Hamas Attack Inspires California Domestic Terror Campaign
Casey Robert Goonan directly admitted his violent rampage was inspired by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel. The 35-year-old California man embarked on a calculated campaign of domestic terrorism, targeting symbols of American authority in retaliation for U.S. government policies regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. His actions represent a dangerous escalation where foreign terrorist organizations inspire homegrown extremists to attack American institutions and law enforcement.
Pro-Hamas California arsonist slapped with 19-year prison sentence
'Goonan acknowledged that these attacks were inspired by Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel,' DOJ sayshttps://t.co/LnRtbqUxCZ— SG⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@GREENESJ333) September 25, 2025
Coordinated Attacks on Law Enforcement and Federal Property
On June 1, 2024, Goonan placed six Molotov cocktails under a UC Berkeley police vehicle and ignited them, completely destroying the patrol car. Ten days later, he attempted to firebomb the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building in Oakland using three additional Molotov cocktails, but security personnel interrupted his attack. These weren’t random acts of violence but deliberate strikes against law enforcement and federal authority, designed to intimidate and terrorize public servants protecting our communities.
Swift Justice Under Federal Terrorism Charges
Federal authorities moved quickly to apprehend Goonan, arresting him on June 17, 2024, just days after his failed courthouse attack. District Judge Jeffrey White imposed the maximum sentence, explicitly labeling Goonan a domestic terrorist during proceedings. U.S. Attorney Craig Missakian emphasized the clear distinction between peaceful protest and violent extremism, sending a strong message that politically motivated terrorism will face severe consequences. This decisive action demonstrates how proper law enforcement can protect communities from radical violence.
Deterrent Message Against Pro-Hamas Extremism
The 19-year sentence serves as a powerful deterrent against other potential extremists who might consider similar attacks. Goonan’s case exemplifies the dangerous intersection of international terrorism with domestic radicalization, where foreign terrorist organizations inspire violence on American soil. The Federated University Peace Officers Association president Wade Stern condemned the attacks as “cowardice, hatred, and violence,” highlighting how such actions threaten the safety of those sworn to protect our campuses and communities.
This case underscores the critical importance of robust security measures at universities and federal buildings, particularly as radical ideologies continue to inspire domestic terrorism. The swift prosecution and severe sentencing demonstrate that under proper leadership, American justice can effectively combat extremist violence and protect our constitutional institutions from those who would destroy them.
Sources:
Pro-Hamas California arsonist slapped with 19-year prison sentence
Man Gets 19-Year Term for Arson, Firebombings at UC Berkeley and Oakland Federal Building
