A Florida attorney has pleaded guilty to attempting to detonate explosives outside the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. Christopher Rodriguez, a criminal defense lawyer from Panama City, admitted to placing a backpack filled with explosive material near the embassy in September and attempting to set it off with a rifle. The explosives failed to detonate, and Rodriguez was apprehended following a detailed investigation. A professional Arlington, VA, criminal defense lawyer represents anyone charged with a crime, no matter how complex the issues are, and Mr. Rodriguez is entitled to a vigorous defense just as anyone else charged with a crime.
Court filings reveal that Rodriguez, 45, traveled from his home in Panama City to northern Virginia with a rifle and 15 pounds of explosives. On September 24, he parked his car in Arlington, Virginia, and used a burner phone to call a taxi to transport him closer to the embassy, located about four miles northwest of the White House. After placing the backpack of explosives outside the embassy and shooting at it, Rodriguez left the scene.
At around 2:45 a.m., Secret Service agents discovered three shell casings, bullet fragments, and the backpack near the embassy’s outer perimeter. Impact marks on the embassy’s wall were also found. DNA evidence linking Rodriguez to the backpack was consistent with samples obtained from him during a previous arrest in June 2021 in Los Angeles County, where he was charged with multiple firearm-related offenses.
Rodriguez was arrested on November 4 in Lafayette, Louisiana, by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and has been in detention since. He has pleaded guilty to charges including damaging property occupied by a foreign government, malicious damage to federal property using explosives, and possession of an unregistered firearm. The plea agreement suggests a sentence of seven to ten years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
In addition to the embassy incident, Rodriguez also admitted to damaging a sculpture in San Antonio, Texas, which depicted communist leaders Vladimir Lenin and Mao Zedong. The artwork, created by Beijing artists Gao Zhen and Gao Qiang, was intended as a satirical critique of communism.
What Can A Criminal Defense Lawyer Do If You’re Charged With Destroying Federal Property?
Being charged with destroying federal property is a serious legal matter that requires a strategic approach from a skilled criminal defense lawyer.
Their first step is a thorough evaluation of the case. This includes gathering evidence, reviewing police reports, and interviewing witnesses. Understanding the details of the incident helps in identifying potential defenses and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Federal property destruction charges often rely heavily on evidence such as surveillance footage, witness testimony, and forensic analysis. A defense attorney scrutinizes this evidence to ensure it was collected and handled properly. They may challenge its admissibility or reliability if there are procedural errors or inconsistencies.
Destroying federal property is a crime that involves proving intent. A defense lawyer will examine whether there was a legitimate reason or a lack of intent to cause harm. They may argue that the destruction was accidental or not intentional, which can significantly impact the outcome of the case.
If you’re facing federal property destruction charges requires expert legal guidance. A criminal defense lawyer plays a vital role in investigating the case, challenging evidence, negotiating outcomes, and providing strong courtroom representation to protect your rights and interests. Our firm wants to help you. Contact May Law, LLP today to discuss your case.