World News
Fugitive on Most Wanted List Captured
Clear Facts
- The FBI apprehended Daniel Andreas San Diego, a fugitive on the “Most Wanted Terrorists” list, in Wales for his alleged involvement in two bombings in California in 2003.
- San Diego was first placed on the “Most Wanted Terrorists” list in 2009 and had a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to his capture.
- The FBI collaborated with UK authorities to locate San Diego, who had been on the run for over 20 years.
In a significant breakthrough, the FBI has successfully captured Daniel Andreas San Diego, a fugitive who has evaded capture for more than two decades. San Diego, who had been on the FBI’s “Most Wanted Terrorists” list since 2009, was apprehended in Wales earlier this week. His arrest is linked to his alleged involvement in two bombings in California in 2003, which were reportedly motivated by animal rights activism.
FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the agency’s commitment to bringing fugitives to justice, stating, “No matter how long it takes, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable.” He further remarked on the importance of lawful expression, noting that “turning to violence and destruction of property is not the right way” to express one’s views.
The capture of the 46-year-old fugitive from Berkeley, California, was made possible through cooperation between the FBI and authorities in the United Kingdom. San Diego had been evading authorities for over 20 years, with a reward of up to $250,000 offered for information leading to his arrest.
San Diego was wanted for his alleged role in two separate bombings in the San Francisco area. The first incident occurred on August 28, 2003, when two bombs detonated an hour apart on the campus of a biotechnology corporation in Emeryville. The second bombing took place on September 26, 2003, at a nutritional products corporation in Pleasanton, involving a bomb strapped with nails. These acts led to his indictment in July 2004 by the United States District Court, Northern District of California.
Federal investigators have described San Diego as having “ties to animal rights extremist groups.” His background includes working as a computer network specialist and following a strict vegan diet. Additionally, he is known for his skills in sailing and international travel, as well as possessing a handgun. Notably, he has a distinctive tattoo on his chest depicting burning hillsides with the phrase “it only takes a spark.”
San Diego faced charges of “Maliciously Damaging and Destroying, Attempting to Destroy and Damage, by Means of Explosives, Buildings and Other Property and Possession of a Destructive Device During, in Relation to, and in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.” His arrest marks a significant victory for law enforcement agencies determined to hold those accountable for acts of violence and terrorism.
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