A federal jury in Orlando has convicted Giovanni Isai Ramirez Reyes, 38, of arson resulting in injury after an incident at Inter&Co Stadium during a Major League Soccer match on February 24, 2024. The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Gregory W. Kehoe, announced the verdict.
Prosecutors presented evidence that Ramirez Reyes ignited two marine flares and threw them into a crowd of fans at the stadium. The flares caused property damage and resulted in a burn injury to a four-year-old child. According to authorities, Ramirez Reyes attempted to avoid detection by moving to another section of the stadium, removing his hat and jacket, and watching as the flares burned before fleeing the scene. Investigators later identified him using surveillance footage from the stadium.
Ramirez Reyes faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison and could receive up to forty years. Sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2026.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with assistance from the Orlando Police Department and Orlando Fire Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro is prosecuting the case.
“This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.”
