Where in the World Is Daniel San Diego?
Daniel San Diego is the first domestic terror suspect added to the famous list.
April 21, 2009— -- His tattoos appear to illustrate his mission. The flaming landscape surrounded by the words "It only takes a spark" on his chest. The progression of images on his abdomen, showing buildings burning and collapsing. A lone, leafless tree emerging from a road on his lower back.
But animal rights activist Daniel Andreas San Diego, 31, allegedly carried out acts similar to those depicted in his tattoos -- and that has landed him a spot on the FBI's Most Wanted Terrorists list alongside Osama bin Laden.
The FBI claims the slight, eyeglass-wearing computer network specialist carried out two destructive bombings in California in 2003, alleged acts of eco-terrorism in furtherance of his anti-animal testing convictions.
Officials announced San Diego's addition to the list in a rare press conference at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. today. Law enforcement sources said it's the first time a suspected domestic terrorist has earned a spot on the list, which the bureau developed after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
"San Diego's criminal acts of violence were domestic acts of terror planned out and possibly intended to take lives, destroy property and create economic hardship for the companies involved," Michael Heimbach Assistant Director for the FBI's Counterterrorism Division, said at the news conference.
The bureau is offering a $250,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
In August 2003, two bombs exploded at the corporate headquarters of Chiron Corp., a firm specializing in blood screening technology, in Emeryville, Calif.
Heimbach said the first bomb exploded, and that authorities searched the scene and discovered a second explosive. "Before the second device could be rendered safe, the device detonated," he said. "It is possible that this device was planted to target first responders."
A month later, a single explosive detonated at Shaklee Corporation, a natural products company headquartered in Pleasanton.
"The investigation revealed metal nails were used in the construction of the device to create a more forceful shrapnel effect," Heimbach said.