SAN DIEGO – Daniel Hector Mackinnon was sentenced in federal
court today to seven years in prison for committing two politically-motivated
arsons, including one that endangered the lives of children.
During today’s hearing, U.S. District Judge William Q. Hayes
described Mackinnon’s conduct as “cold blooded and cowardly” and expressed
concern that Mackinnon is a danger to the community. “In light of what you did,
I think every day is warranted,” Judge Hayes told the defendant, referring to
the length of the sentence.
According to the government’s sentencing memorandum,
Mackinnon’s conviction covered two separate arsons, both occurring in the early
morning hours of April 24, 2019. Investigators believe Mackinnon targeted the
victims based on the nature of the business and/or their professional/political
ties. Beginning early that morning, Mackinnon attempted to set fire to the La
Jolla home of a prominent San Diego real estate developer. At the time of the
arson, the home was occupied by two adults and three small children, all of
whom were sleeping. The defendant poured an accelerant onto the door and
ignited it, causing damage to the door. Investigators found remnants of a
plastic water bottle, a pry bar and a bottle cap at the scene and were able to
tie Mackinnon to the arson based on DNA recovered from the bottle cap.
Mackinnon’s second arson that morning occurred at the Kearny
Mesa building of Raytheon, a defense contractor that does weapons systems work
for the military at the facility. Based on surveillance video, Mackinnon first
drove his car into Raytheon’s building. After his car bounced back, he exited
his car and opened the vehicle’s back hatch. A short while later, fire shot
out, engulfing the vehicle and causing damage to the building’s exterior.
Surveillance video showed Mackinnon fleeing the scene after which he drove into
Mexico. A multi-agency effort of federal, state and local partners worked to
identify Mackinnon and he was arrested the same day as he attempted to re-enter
the United States at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
As set forth in the government’s sentencing memorandum,
Mackinnon has previously committed politically-motivated petty crimes in the
early 2000s, including remaining at the scene of a riot after being arrested at
a Southern Kalifornia Anarchist Alliance May Day demonstration and “keying” a
media vehicle at an environment protest.
“Fire is a dangerous and indiscriminate weapon,” said U.S.
Attorney Robert Brewer. “Mackinnon’s arsons not only caused damage to a
business, but also endangered the lives of small children who were asleep in
their homes. Because of the quick response and savvy investigative efforts of
our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, Mackinnon was quickly
apprehended and his crime spree was swiftly ended.” Brewer also thanked
prosecutors Caroline Han and John Parmley for working hard to keep the public
safe.
“This conviction and sentence sends an important message to
those who use violence to express their discontent,” said FBI Special Agent in
Charge Scott Brunner. “The FBI will identify and bring to justice arsonists and
other violent actors who put the safety of San Diegans at risk.”
DEFENDANT
Criminal Case No. 19CR1849-WQH
Daniel Hector Mackinnon Age 37 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Malicious damage to building by means of fire, in violation
of Title 18, U.S.C., Section 844(i).
Mandatory minimum penalty: Five years in prison
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
San Diego FBI - Joint Terrorism Task Force
San Diego Police Department
Metro Arson Strike Team
U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment