Federal Grand Jury Indicts Three Men For Seeking To Exploit Protests In Las Vegas And Incite Violence

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — A federal grand jury indicted Stephen T. Parshall, aka “Kiwi,” 35, Andrew Lynam, 23, and William L. Loomis, 40, all of Las Vegas, for violations of federal law for conspiracy to cause destruction during protests in Las Vegas and possession of an unregistered destructive device, specifically, a so-called “Molotov cocktail.”

U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI, and Sheriff Joseph Lombardo of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department made the announcement.

According to allegations contained in the criminal complaint and indictment, Parshall, Lynam, and Loomis claimed to be members of the “Boogaloo” movement, a term used by extremists to signify a coming civil war and/or collapse of society. From April 2020 to May 30, 2020, the defendants conspired to damage and destroy — by fire and explosives — buildings and property owned by the U.S. Government, as well as a public utility installation. On May 30, the defendants possessed Molotov cocktails to throw at police in downtown Las Vegas, during a protest connected to George Floyd’s death.

Parshall, Lynam, and Loomis were all arrested on May 30, 2020, and have been ordered detained by U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy J. Koppe.

If convicted, Parshall, Lynam, and Loomis each face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to damage and destroy by fire and explosive; and ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine for possession of unregistered firearms. The maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only. If convicted of any federal offense, the sentencing of a defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

An indictment alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

In addition to the federal charges, the Clark County District Attorney’s office has filed state charges against the defendants, including one count of Assist, Solicit or Conspire Conspiracy to Commit an Act of Terrorism; one count of Provide Material Support for use in the Commission of an Act of Terrorism; one count of Conspiracy to Damage or Destroy a Building by Means of Explosives; and one count of Possession of Component of Explosive or Incendiary Device with Intent to Manufacture Explosive Incendiary Device.

The federal charges stem from an investigation led by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) in Las Vegas. JTTF members who participated in this investigation include the FBI, LVMPD, ATF, North Las Vegas Police Department, Henderson Police Department, Nye County Sheriff’s Office, City of Las Vegas Municipal Court Marshal’s Office, and the U.S. National Park Service. Each regional FBI JTTF brings together highly skilled investigators from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and stop terrorism. As directed by Attorney General William P. Barr, law enforcement is using the existing network of 56 regional FBI JTTFs to identify and prosecute the violent criminal organizers and instigators who have taken over peaceful protests.

U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Dickinson is prosecuting the federal case. Deputy District Attorney Michael Dickerson is prosecuting the state’s case.