Pat Tillman's Brother Admits to Burning Post Office

Richard Tillman, the brother of former NFL player Pat Tillman, has admitted to setting fire to a post office in San Jose, California. He said he did it to make a statement to the U.S. government. The fire caused a lot of damage.
By Newsroom | Crime, California |

Richard Tillman admitted to setting fire to a San Jose post office to "make a statement" to the U.S. government, a federal court heard.

Pat Tillman's brother pleads guilty to setting fire to Northern California post office - 1

The youngest brother of the late NFL star and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman has entered a guilty plea in federal court for setting fire to a Northern California post office last summer. The incident, which occurred on July 20, 2025, resulted in the complete destruction of the post office lobby. Court documents indicate that Richard Tillman confessed to deliberately starting the blaze.

Pat Tillman's brother pleads guilty to setting fire to Northern California post office - 2

Timeline of Events

  • July 20, 2025: Richard Tillman allegedly backed his vehicle, loaded with fire-starting materials, into the U.S. Post Office on Crown Boulevard in San Jose, California. He then exited the vehicle and ignited it, causing a fire that spread through the lobby.

  • Following the incident: Tillman is accused of livestreaming the event on YouTube. His YouTube channel was later removed.

  • July 23, 2025: A criminal complaint was filed against Tillman.

  • Late July 2025: Tillman made his initial appearance in federal district court in San Jose. At this time, his state case for arson, vandalism, and possession of combustible material was also pending.

  • Early August 2025: Tillman's state court proceedings were suspended pending a competency examination after his attorney raised concerns about his mental fitness.

  • February 9, 2026: Richard Tillman pleaded guilty in federal court.

The Incident

Richard Tillman is accused of using his car as an incendiary device. Reports suggest he placed "insta-logs" and lighter fluid inside his vehicle before driving it through the front doors of the post office. After exiting the car, he is alleged to have set it on fire. The resulting blaze caused extensive damage, particularly to the building's lobby.

Read More: ICE Agents Arrested After Claims of Bad Behavior and Crime

Pat Tillman's brother pleads guilty to setting fire to Northern California post office - 3

  • The act was intended to "make a statement to the United States Government."

  • Tillman reportedly livestreamed the incident on YouTube.

Tillman, 44, entered his guilty plea as part of an agreement with federal prosecutors. The plea was made in the San Jose courtroom of U.S. District Court Judge Edward Davila. Initially, Tillman was scheduled to enter his plea in January but faced delays. Concerns regarding his mental fitness led to a suspension of his state court case for a competency evaluation. However, during earlier court appearances, Tillman appeared assertive and engaged, at one point questioning the assessment of his mental state.

Pat Tillman's brother pleads guilty to setting fire to Northern California post office - 4

  • Federal Charges: Fire destruction of a U.S. Post Office.

  • State Charges (pending or addressed by federal plea): Arson, vandalism, and possession of combustible material or incendiary device for malicious use.

Statement of Intent

According to documents unsealed by the court, Richard Tillman told law enforcement officers that his motivation for setting the post office on fire was to "make a statement to the United States Government." The specifics of this intended statement remain a subject of inquiry.

Brother's Background

Richard Tillman is the youngest brother of Pat Tillman, a well-known NFL player who joined the U.S. Army and was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2004. Pat Tillman's sacrifice and service have been widely recognized.

Expert Analysis

While not offering direct commentary on Tillman's motives, legal experts note that a guilty plea in a federal arson case often signifies substantial evidence presented by the prosecution. The inclusion of livestreaming as part of the alleged act could be viewed as an attempt to amplify the message behind the crime. The prior suspension of state proceedings for a competency evaluation suggests that the defendant's mental state was a point of consideration during the legal process.

Conclusion

Richard Tillman has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the arson of a San Jose post office. His stated intention was to protest or convey a message to the U.S. government. The full ramifications of this plea, including sentencing, are pending. The incident highlights a deliberate act of property destruction, motivated by an expressed grievance.

Read More: DNA Solves 30-Year-Old Murder Case in California

Sources:

Read More: Teenager Allegedly Used Roblox Game in Canada Shooting

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Richard Tillman do?
He pleaded guilty to setting fire to a post office in San Jose, California. He used his car as part of the fire.
Q: Why did he do it?
He told police he wanted to 'make a statement to the United States Government.'
Q: Was anyone hurt?
The news reports do not say anyone was hurt. The post office lobby was destroyed.
Q: Is this related to his brother Pat Tillman?
Yes, Richard Tillman is the younger brother of Pat Tillman, a famous NFL player who joined the Army and died in Afghanistan.