Federal authorities have unsealed charges against Ronald Watson, also known as Sarah Watson, Miranda Kyle, and Emily Smith, for allegedly setting fire to and damaging government property at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Atlanta during protests in the summer of 2020.
According to prosecutors, on July 25, 2020, a group gathered outside the ICE facility in downtown Atlanta. Some individuals breached security fences and vandalized the property using rocks, cinder blocks, fireworks, Molotov cocktails, and lighter fluid. The damage exceeded $78,000. Investigators found blood near a broken window inside the building along with a lighter fluid bottle close to an unexploded Molotov cocktail.
Authorities linked Watson to the incident through evidence collected after his felony conviction in Oregon for assaulting a public safety officer in January 2023. Social media posts attributed to Watson included anti-ICE messages and admissions of previous confrontational actions.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated: “The right to peacefully protest never excuses acts of violence, like smashing windows and attempting to set fire to a government building. Anyone who perpetrates or threatens violence against federal officers or property must be identified, found, and held accountable.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown commented: “The First Amendment does not allow individuals to commit arson or destroy property. The FBI will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our communities while respecting individuals’ First Amendment rights.”
Steven N. Schrank from Homeland Security Investigations added: “Those who attack our government institutions with fire and violence will be held accountable. Setting fire to a government building is not only an attack on bricks and mortar—it is an attack on the rule of law and the safety of our communities. Homeland Security Investigations, working alongside our law enforcement partners, will relentlessly pursue those who endanger lives and destroy public property. HSI remains committed to protecting the people, safeguarding government facilities, and ensuring that justice is served.”
Officials remind the public that these are charges only; Watson is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations are leading this investigation.
A reward up to $10,000 is being offered by the FBI for information leading to Watson’s location or arrest. Tips can be submitted at tips.fbi.gov or by calling 800-CALL-FBI.
For additional details about this case or contact information for authorities involved see http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
