A vegan extremist, wanted for bombings in California, has been captured in the UK after 20 years on the run, bringing an end to a long-standing FBI manhunt.
At a Glance
- Daniel Andreas San Diego, wanted for 2003 California bombings, arrested in North Wales
- San Diego was on FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorist List since 2009
- Bombings targeted companies allegedly linked to animal testing
- Arrest resulted from collaboration between FBI and international partners
- No injuries reported from the bombings, but second bomb intended to target first responders
Vegan Extremist Caught After Two Decades
In a significant breakthrough for U.S. law enforcement, Daniel Andreas San Diego, a vegan activist and alleged extremist, has been apprehended in the United Kingdom after evading capture for 20 years. San Diego, a Berkeley native, was wanted for his alleged involvement in two bombings that targeted animal research-related facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2003.
The arrest, carried out in a rural part of North Wales, was the result of a coordinated effort between the FBI, North Wales Police, the National Crime Agency, and the U.K.’s Counter Terrorism Police. This collaboration underscores the global reach of law enforcement in pursuing individuals accused of domestic terrorism.
🚨US MOST WANTED TERRORIST CAUGHT IN WALES AFTER 20+ YEARS
Daniel Andreas San Diego, wanted for 2 California bombings in 2003, was arrested in Wales by North Wales Police and the U.K.’s Counter Terrorism Police.
San Diego, a vegan and ex-network specialist, targeted biotech and… pic.twitter.com/Gm5TFYmmuU
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 26, 2024
The 2003 Bombings: A Dark Chapter in Animal Rights Activism
The incidents that led to San Diego’s fugitive status occurred in 2003 when two companies, Chiron Corporation and Shaklee Corporation, were targeted with homemade pipe bombs. These attacks were allegedly motivated by the companies’ associations with Huntingdon Life Sciences, a lab conducting animal experiments.
While no injuries were reported from these bombings, the second attack at Shaklee Corp. involved a bomb strapped with nails, indicating a clear intent to cause harm. The Revolutionary Cells of the Animal Liberation Brigade, a group San Diego was allegedly associated with, claimed responsibility for the attacks and threatened further violence.
FBI’s Persistent Pursuit
The FBI launched a domestic terrorism case shortly after the bombings, and in 2009, San Diego was added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorist List. A $250,000 reward was offered for information leading to his arrest, highlighting the seriousness with which law enforcement viewed these acts of domestic terrorism.
“Daniel San Diego’s arrest after more than 20 years as a fugitive for two bombings in the San Francisco area shows that no matter how long it takes, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said. San Diego now faces extradition to the United States.
