Joint Terrorism Task Force Charges Three Men Who Allegedly Sought To Exploit Protests In Las Vegas And Incite Violence

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada, Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI, and Sheriff Joseph Lombardo of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department announced today that three alleged members of the “Boogaloo” movement — a term used by extremists to signify a coming civil war and/or collapse of society — have been charged with violations of federal and state law for conspiracy to cause destruction during protests in Las Vegas, and possession of an unregistered destructive device (specifically, an improvised incendiary device commonly known as a Molotov cocktail).

“Violent instigators have hijacked peaceful protests and demonstrations across the country, including Nevada, exploiting the real and legitimate outrage over Mr. Floyd’s death for their own radical agendas,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “Law enforcement is focused on keeping violence and destruction from interfering with free public expression and threatening lives.”

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson stated: “My office is committed to aggressively prosecuting those who make it their mission to create chaos and destruction with total disregard for the safety and well-being of our citizens and the law enforcement officers sworn to protect and serve our community. This type of planning and intent on causing mayhem is terroristic and will not be tolerated. Thankfully, the Joint Terrorism Task Force is able to identify and stop such actions. Now it’s my job to hold these men accountable.”

“This quick and decisive action by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force underscores the exceptional partnership and professionalism of our diverse membership,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse. “Federal, state, and local agencies committed to stopping acts of terrorism before they can occur. Citizens of Nevada can take comfort that the law enforcement partnerships in this state continue to work together every day to protect them no matter the circumstances.”

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Captain Chris Tomaino said: “The LVMPD worked together daily in the Joint Terrorism Task Force with the FBI, U.S. Attorney's Office, and Clark County District Attorney's Office in this investigation that helped protect Southern Nevada's citizens and officers from individuals looking to harm citizens for their own political ends.”

Stephen T. Parshall, aka “Kiwi,” 35, Andrew Lynam, 23, and William L. Loomis, 40, all of Las Vegas, were each charged in a federal criminal complaint with (a) one count of conspiracy to damage and destroy by fire and explosive; and (b) one count of possession of unregistered firearms, that is, a destructive device. A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct for purposes of establishing probable cause, not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

If convicted of federal charges, Parshall, Lynam, and Loomis each face a statutory maximum sentence of (a) 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to damage and destroy by fire and explosive; and (b) ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine for possession of unregistered firearms. The maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only. If convicted of any federal offense, the sentencing of a defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Parshall, Lynam, and Loomis were all arrested in Las Vegas on May 30, 2020, and are currently in state custody. In addition to the federal charges listed above, the Clark County District Attorney’s office has filed a state criminal complaint charging the defendants with (a) one count Assist, Solicit or Conspire Conspiracy to Commit an Act of Terrorism (potential sentence of ten years to life in prison with the possibility of parole); (b) one count of Provide Material Support for use in the Commission of an Act of Terrorism (potential sentence of ten years to life in prison with the possibility of parole); (c) one count of Conspiracy to Damage or Destroy a Building by Means of Explosives (potential sentence of two to ten years in prison); and (d) one count of Possession of Component of Explosive or Incendiary Device with Intent to Manufacture Explosive Incendiary Device (potential sentence of one to six years in prison). 

The charges stem from an investigation led by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) in Las Vegas, which includes the FBI, LVMPD, ATF, North Las Vegas Police Department, and the U.S. National Park Service. Each regional FBI JTTF brings together highly skilled investigators from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and stop terrorism. As directed by Attorney General William P. Barr, law enforcement is using the existing network of 56 regional FBI JTTFs to identify and prosecute the violent criminal organizers and instigators who have taken over peaceful protests.

U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Dickinson is prosecuting the federal case. Deputy District Attorney Michael Dickerson, who is the primary counter-terrorism prosecutor for the Clark County District Attorney’s office, is prosecuting the state’s case.