After more than two decades of evading law enforcement, Daniel Andreas San Diego, one of the FBI's most wanted terrorists, has been apprehended. His arrest occurred on November 26, 2024, at a secluded property near Conwy, North Wales, where he had been living under the radar.
San Diego, 46, was charged with two bombings linked to animal rights extremism back in August 2003, which took place on the premises of Chiron Corporation, now known as Novartis, located in Emeryville, California. The first explosion occurred near the entrance of the facility, followed by another blast one hour later, targeting the parking lot. A month later, authorities linked him to yet another bombing at the headquarters of Shaklee Corporation, also related to the animal testing industry.
Security footage from the day of the Emeryville bombings reportedly captured San Diego just before the explosions, marking him as the prime suspect. LaRae Quy, the FBI Special Agent involved at the time, expressed grave concerns about the potential for loss of life, stating, "It is a matter of time before someone is killed and that's a very sobering thought."
San Diego's evasion of justice lasted so long, earning him a place on the FBI's most wanted terrorist list as the first domestic terrorist to be added back in 2009. His last known sighting was back in 2003 when he managed to vanish just as authorities were closing in on him.
At the time of his arrest, neighbors described San Diego as "Danny," depicting him as unassuming and somewhat reclusive. One neighbor remarked about his hidden home, saying, "It's such a secluded place, no-one would even know there was a house there. We just assumed he had his reasons to move somewhere out of the way and just left him alone."
FBI Director Christopher Wray noted the significance of this arrest, asserting, "Daniel San Diego's arrest after more than 20 years as a fugitive shows no matter how long it takes, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable. There’s the right way and the wrong way to express your views. Violence and destruction of property is not the right way." Robert Tripp, the Special Agent charged with the San Francisco office, echoed this sentiment, stating the successful capture highlights the relentless efforts of the FBI and their partners.
Authorities have indicated San Diego had ties to the radical animal rights group known as the Animal Liberation Brigade. Jerry Vlasak, who previously served as press officer for another organization focused on animal rights, elaborated on the nature of such groups, explaining: "These organizations are not really card-carrying memberships you can sign up to. They’re more like ideologically people get together and say we’re going to act on behalf of this organization. They’re basically independent cells." He recalled the bombings as targeting corporations tied to animal testing, falling within the group's activist agenda.
After two decades on the run, San Diego now faces extradition proceedings. He was presented before the court Tuesday morning, where discussions surrounding the next steps were initiated. Authorities remain steadfast, determined to bring him to justice. Although the alarming nature of his past activities raises questions about the motivations behind his years of evasion, those who encountered him during his time on the run described him as merely blending in.
The surface of the tranquil Welsh countryside belied the mystery dwelling within its reaches, making it hard to fathom one of America's most wanted was quietly living among them. The secret life of Daniel San Diego, shrouded for so long, now stands exposed as he awaits the next chapter of his legal battles, marking the end of his lengthy flight from justice. This case serves as both a cautionary tale and reassurance of the persistence of law enforcement, regardless of how long it takes to bring fugitives to justice, solidifying the bond between communities and their protective agencies.
