Attorney Christopher Rodriguez from Florida pleaded guilty to attempting to set off explosives outside the Chinese embassy in Washington D.C. in September. Authorities found his DNA on the backpack filled with explosives. He also damaged a sculpture in Texas depicting communist leaders, which he intended as a satirical critique.
Rodriguez admitted to damaging property occupied by a foreign government, malicious damage to federal property, and possession of an unregistered firearm. A plea agreement suggests a sentence of 7-10 years followed by 3 years of supervised release. Court documents reveal details of the late-night bombing attempt near the Chinese embassy in which Rodriguez fired shots at the explosives.
DNA on the backpack matched Rodriguez’s from a previous arrest in June 2021 in Los Angeles when he was found with weapons and explosive material in his car. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested Rodriguez in Lafayette, Louisiana, in November 2022.
Prior to the embassy incident, Rodriguez had targeted a sculpture in Texas created by Chinese artists, the Gao Brothers. He placed explosive material on the sculpture and shot at it, causing significant damage. The assault was captured on security cameras and posted on social media.
Rodriguez’s attorneys did not respond to requests for comment. His actions reflect a disturbing attempt to damage property and target symbols of communism, for which he is now facing legal consequences.
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