The Arrest
Daniel Andreas San Diego, a U.S. fugitive wanted for bombings in California two decades ago, was arrested in northern Wales on Monday. The 46-year-old was apprehended in a rural area near Conwy by the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA). He appeared in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and is awaiting extradition to the United States.
Background on the Bombings
San Diego is accused of planting two bombs at a biotechnology company in Emeryville, California, on August 28, 2003. The bombs exploded an hour apart, targeting first responders. A month later, he allegedly detonated a nail bomb at a nutritional products company in Pleasanton, California. While no injuries were reported, authorities assert the intent was to cause harm.
The bombings were claimed by the Revolutionary Cells-Animal Liberation Brigade, a group protesting the companies’ association with Huntingdon Life Sciences, which conducted experiments on animals for research.
A Fugitive's Profile
San Diego grew up in Marin County, California, and worked as a computer network specialist. He was known to be a skilled sailor and was described as armed and potentially dangerous. In 2003, he vanished from FBI surveillance in San Francisco and remained undetected for years despite reported sightings worldwide.
In 2009, he became the first domestic terrorism suspect added to the FBI's Most Wanted Terrorists List, with a $250,000 reward for information leading to his capture. His case was publicized on billboards, including in Times Square, and featured on America’s Most Wanted.
Authorities Speak Out
FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the agency's persistence, stating, “Daniel San Diego’s arrest shows that no matter how long it takes, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable. Violence and property destruction are not the right way to express your views.”
Details of the Capture
The NCA stated that San Diego was found at a property near wooded areas in northern Wales, approximately 5,000 miles from the San Francisco Bay Area. Additional details about his life in the UK and the circumstances leading to his arrest were not disclosed.
Next Steps
San Diego remains in custody as extradition proceedings move forward. The FBI has not commented on whether additional charges will be pursued or whether others may have been involved in aiding his evasion of law enforcement.
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