Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
6d ago

Richard Tillman Pleads Guilty to Federal Arson in San Jose Post Office Fire

He admitted he set the blaze to make a point to the U.S. government.

Richard Tillman, youngest brother of the late San Jose-raised NFL star and Army Ranger Pat Tillman, looks on as he enters the court room at the Hall of Justice in San Jose, Calif., Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (Thien-An Truong for Bay Area News Group)
San Jose firefighters battle a blaze caused when a vehicle crashed into a post office on the 6500 block of Crown Boulevard early Sunday. The brother of Pat Tillman pleaded guilty to arson charges, federal prosecutors said Monday. 
Image

Overview

  • He entered the guilty plea in U.S. District Court in San Jose to malicious destruction of government property by fire.
  • Sentencing is set for April 27, 2026, with a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years plus up to a $250,000 fine.
  • Prosecutors say he bought firelogs and lighter fluid, backed his car into the building, doused the vehicle and set it ablaze.
  • The fire destroyed the lobby and caused about $2.67 million in damage, with no injuries reported.
  • Investigators cite a YouTube livestream and graffiti reading “VIVA LA ME,” and the post office remains closed with services relocated to Willow Glen.