A federal complaint has been unsealed charging Richard Tillman with malicious destruction by fire of a U.S. post office in San Jose. Tillman, 44, appeared for the first time in federal district court on Tuesday.
Authorities allege that early on July 20, 2025, Tillman set fire to the Almaden Valley United States Post Office on Crown Boulevard. According to the complaint, he purchased “instalogs” and lighter fluid before driving to the post office. The document states that Tillman placed instalogs throughout his vehicle, poured lighter fluid over them, backed his car into the lobby of the post office, exited the vehicle, and then ignited it with a match.
After starting the fire, investigators say Tillman attempted to spray paint “Viva La Me” on the outside of the building but was unable to finish because of intense heat from the flames.
The fire caused partial destruction of the post office building. Both San Jose Fire Department and San Jose Police Department responded to extinguish the blaze. Authorities report that Tillman told officers he started the fire as a statement directed at the U.S. government and livestreamed it on YouTube using his phone.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian announced charges alongside U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector in Charge Stephen M. Sherwood (San Francisco Division), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Topper, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani.
Tillman remains in federal custody and is scheduled for a status conference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathanael Cousins on August 6.
Officials remind that criminal complaints are allegations; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. If convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 844(f)(1), Tillman could face up to 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of five years and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing would follow consideration of federal guidelines under 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Pitman is prosecuting with help from Sahib Kaur following an investigation by USPIS, ATF, FBI, and San Jose Police Department; support was also provided by Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.
