August 4, 2020 3:20 a.m.
A Portland man has been charged with assaulting a deputy U.S. Marshal with an explosive device during a recent protest at the Hatfield U.S. Courthouse.
On Monday, U.S. Attorney Billy Williams announced that 18-year old Jason Maza Junior is being charged with a criminal complaint.
A release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Oregon, said according to court documents, in the early morning hours of July 22nd, a group of individuals gathered in an exterior entryway of the courthouse. Several members of the group, including Maza, began removing plywood attached to the front of the building to protect its damaged glass façade. After the group successfully removed the plywood sheeting, Maza made multiple attempts to kick in the window, struck it with a metal object and repeatedly pounded on it with what appeared to be a hammer.
The release said shortly thereafter, a number of people successfully removed the entire wooden structure protecting the courthouse entryway and an unknown individual broke one of the windows. After this breach, Maza walked toward the building carrying a cylindrical object. He then appeared to light a fuse connected to the object and place it inside the broken window. A short time later, the object exploded in close proximity to law enforcement officers exiting the building through the broken window. A deputy U.S. Marshal, sustained injuries to both his legs as a result of the blast, according to the release.
On July 31st, authorities spotted Maza less than one block from the courthouse. He ran from the deputy marshals who pursued him several blocks before catching and arresting him.
Maza had his first appearance in federal court on Monday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
Assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Willfully damaging government property is punishable by 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.