The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) captured a fugitive who has been on its “Most Wanted Terrorists” list for over a decade following his alleged involvement in two California animal rights-related bombings in the early 2000s.
The arrest of Daniel Andreas San Diego in Wales on Monday demonstrates that “no matter how long it takes, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable,” said Christopher Wray, the FBI Director, in a statement.
“There’s a right way and a wrong way to express your views in our country, and turning to violence and destruction of property is not the right way,” added Wray.
The FBI stated they tracked down San Diego—who previously had a reward of up to $250,000 for information resulting in his capture—with the help of United Kingdom authorities. The 46-year-old from Berkeley, California, was first put on the “Most Wanted Terrorists” list in 2009 and spent over 20 years on the run while a fugitive.
“Daniel Andreas San Diego is wanted for his alleged involvement in two bombings in the San Francisco, California, area. On August 28, 2003, two bombs exploded approximately one hour apart on the campus of a biotechnology corporation in Emeryville,” said the FBI on its wanted poster.
“Then, on September 26, 2003, one bomb strapped with nails exploded at a nutritional products corporation in Pleasanton. San Diego was indicted in the United States District Court, Northern District of California, in July of 2004,” said the poster.
Wanted terrorist tied “to animal rights extremist groups”
Federal investigators described San Diego as being tied “to animal rights extremist groups.”
“He is known to follow a vegan diet, eating no meat or food containing animal products. He has previously worked as a computer network specialist and with the operating system LINUX. San Diego wears eyeglasses, is skilled at sailing, and has traveled internationally. He is known to possess a handgun,” said the FBI.
According to the FBI, the suspect also has a tattoo on the center of his chest with an image of burning hillsides and the words “it only takes a spark. “
San Diego was wanted for 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.
