Federal Protective Service Officer David Patrick Underwood, aged 53, tragically lost his life on May 29, 2020, in Oakland, California. Officer Underwood was on duty at the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse when he was fatally shot in a drive-by attack. The incident occurred amidst widespread protests against police brutality following the murder of George Floyd.
Underwood was standing in a guard post outside the federal building when a white van approached, and shots were fired from the vehicle, resulting in his death and serious injury to another officer.
The investigation into Officer Underwood's murder led to the arrest of two individuals with ties to the anti-government extremist movement known as the "Boogaloo." Steven Carrillo, a former U.S. Air Force sergeant, was identified as the gunman. He fired multiple rounds from an AR-15 style rifle from the back of the van driven by his accomplice, Robert Alvin Justus Jr. Carrillo and Justus had connected online and shared an allegiance to the Boogaloo movement, which advocates for a second civil war in the United States.
Carrillo was charged with murder and attempted murder, and in 2022, he was sentenced to 41 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Justus, who drove the van during the attack, was also charged with murder and aiding and abetting. He was convicted by a jury and sentenced to life in prison in 2024. During the trial, Justus attempted to portray himself as an unwilling participant, claiming that Carrillo had forced him into the plot at gunpoint. However, prosecutors presented evidence that Justus had multiple opportunities to escape but chose to remain involved, demonstrating his willingness to participate in the attack.
The murder of Officer Underwood was part of a broader pattern of violence associated with the Boogaloo movement. Days after the Oakland shooting, Carrillo ambushed sheriff's deputies in Santa Cruz County, resulting in the death of Sergeant Damon Gutzwiller and injuries to several other law enforcement officers. Carrillo was subsequently sentenced to life in state prison without the possibility of parole for his role in the Santa Cruz attack.
The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security have emphasized their commitment to bringing those responsible for such acts of violence to justice. The prosecution of Carrillo and Justus serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by extremist ideologies and the importance of protecting law enforcement officers who risk their lives to safeguard the community. The case has highlighted the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among federal, state, and local agencies to combat violent extremism and ensure the safety of all citizens.
