Federal authorities have unsealed charges against Ronald Watson, also known as Sarah Watson, Miranda Kyle, and Emily Smith, for allegedly committing arson and destroying government property. The charges relate to an incident at the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in downtown Atlanta during the summer of 2020.
According to U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, “The right to peacefully protest never excuses acts of violence, like smashing windows and attempting to set fire to a government building. Anyone who perpetrates or threatens violence against federal officers or property must be identified, found, and held accountable.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown stated, “The First Amendment does not allow individuals to commit arson or destroy property. The FBI will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our communities while respecting individuals’ First Amendment rights.”
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama said: “Those who attack our government institutions with fire and violence will be held accountable. Setting fire to a government building is not only an attack on bricks and mortar—it is an attack on the rule of law and the safety of our communities. Homeland Security Investigations, working alongside our law enforcement partners, will relentlessly pursue those who endanger lives and destroy public property. HSI remains committed to protecting the people, safeguarding government facilities, and ensuring that justice is served.”
Court documents state that on July 25, 2020, a crowd gathered outside the ICE facility in Atlanta near midnight. Several masked individuals breached security fences around the building before vandalizing it using rocks, cinder blocks, modified fireworks, Molotov cocktails, lighter fluid bottles and other items. The damage exceeded $78,000 according to officials.
Inside the building after the incident law enforcement discovered blood near a broken window as well as a lighter fluid bottle close to an unexploded Molotov cocktail.
Authorities were able to identify Watson based on evidence collected following his January 2023 felony conviction for assaulting a public safety officer in Oregon.
Investigators say that prior to this event Watson posted anti-ICE messages online including images depicting violence against ICE agents; he also claimed online involvement in various direct actions such as throwing bricks or doxxing people.
Officials remind members of the public that these are only allegations at this stage; Watson is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations are leading the investigation into this case.
A reward up to $10,000 has been offered by the FBI for information leading directly to Watson’s location or arrest; tips can be submitted at https://tips.fbi.gov/ or by calling 800-CALL-FBI.
Further details can be obtained from the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or by phone at (404) 581-6185. More information about the office can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
