A 55-year-old man from Everett, Washington, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for detonating a pipe bomb that destroyed a neighbor's car. The sentencing took place in U.S. District Court in Seattle, following Steven Goldstine's guilty plea to unlawful possession of a destructive device, unlawful possession of ammunition, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge John H. Chun commented at the hearing: “This case involves serious and quite frankly horrifying conduct. Add in the racist statements it is disgusting conduct.”
U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd stated: “This defendant turned his racial hatred into a potentially deadly explosion, using a pipe bomb to blow up a car. Not everything is a hate crime, but we believe this defendant acted on racial hatred. After the bombing he called the victims to gloat, leaving a message with racial slurs. This time in prison will protect our community.”
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said: “Fueled by hatred for a neighbor’s race, the defendant used a pipe bomb to cause an explosion and destroy property. This sentence reflects the Department of Justice’s steadfast commitment to vigorously prosecute racially motivated crimes and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.”
Everett Police Chief John DeRousse commented on the investigation: “The violence and hatred behind this crime had no place in Everett, and our detectives worked closely with our federal partners to ensure a thorough investigation and a strong case. The victim in this incident showed resilience in the face of a senseless act meant to intimidate and divide. We are grateful for the collaboration with the FBI, ATF, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office that ultimately brought accountability and helped reinforce that everyone in our community deserves to feel safe.”
According to court records, police responded on December 31, 2024, to an explosion involving a car parked at an apartment complex. The victims suspected Goldstine due to previous conflict; he left them a voice message referencing the incident and using racial slurs after the bombing. Surveillance footage from nearby locations linked Goldstine to clothing found at his home.
Investigators also discovered over 700 rounds of ammunition during their search of Goldstine’s residence after the bombing incident. Goldstine was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to earlier felony convictions including burglary, arson, and possession of stolen property.
In September 2020, law enforcement searched Goldstine’s home after he pointed a gun at protestors—a moment captured on video—resulting in seizure of his firearm.
Prosecutors highlighted Goldstine's violent history when requesting more than six years’ imprisonment: “Goldstine has a deeply troubling history of violence, dating back to several serious convictions for arson in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Violence has remained a consistent part of his life over the past five years, from assaulting a neighbor and fighting with police in 2019, to pointing a gun at protestors in 2020 to making death threats on YouTube in 2022…to bombing (the victim’s) car at the end of December 2024.”
ATF Seattle Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric Jackson said: “No one should fear violence based on their beliefs or identity, and terror motivated by hate will not be tolerated. This sentence reflects our commitment to investigate and prosecute reprehensible, hate-fueled acts of violence to the fullest extent of the law.”
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Seattle field office added: “After years of hateful and violent behavior, Mr. Goldstine is now being sentenced for exploding his neighbors’ car, bragging about it, and leaving an offensive message for the victims...Together with our partners, the Puget Sound Joint Terrorism Task Force will not stand for such violent intimidation and will remain vigilant in combatting such dangerous acts.”
Following his release from prison, Judge Chun ordered three years' supervised release for Goldstine—including one year under electronic location monitoring.
The investigation involved collaboration between Everett Police Department; Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF); FBI; as well as support from Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office.
The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica M. Manca for Western District of Washington alongside Trial Attorney Taylor Payne from Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
