Goshen massacre suspect faces federal charges
One of the accused Goshen massacre shooters faces federal charges following a gun battle with ATF agents last month.
Angel Uriarte, 35, of Visalia, is charged with assault on a federal officer involving a weapon, discharging a firearm during a violent crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. A federal judge issued an arrest warrant for Uriarte based on the complaint.
Uriarte also faces local charges of six counts of murder and is accused of killing two of the six Goshen victims. The criminal complaint includes special allegations of use of a deadly weapon and gang enhancements.
“The shots fired at the ATF agents executing the search, and arrest warrants, in this case, underscore the dangers that our men and women in law enforcement face,” U.S. Attorney Phillip Talbert said. “We are forever in the debt of the federal agents who willingly serve and protect us every day. Those who attempt to use deadly force against a federal officer engaged in his or her duties should expect to face a federal prosecution that employs the full resources of the U.S. Department of Justice.”
Shortly after the Jan. 23 mass shooting, Noah Beard, 25, and Uriarte were identified as suspects by law enforcement and were placed under 24-hour surveillance.
Thousands of hours led to their Feb. 3 arrests.
ATF agents helped serve arrest warrants connected to the massacre. One of the warrants was for Uriarte's arrest, and the other was for a Visalia home where he was staying.
The ATF Special Response Team served that warrant.
When the team arrived at the home, they announced their presence over a public address system and directed the people inside to "come out with their hands up," agents said. Several people left home, but Uriarte was not one of them.
Agents were preparing to go inside the home when Uriarte ran through the yard and fired a gun toward the house and agents. He then fired three rounds at an ATF agent, who returned gunfire, according to U.S. Attorney's Office officials.
Uriarte was shot and taken to a nearby hospital and underwent surgery.
Agents said they found a Bersa .380 semi-automatic pistol near where Uriarte fell.
"Our team responded with appropriate force and professionalism to disarm and take the defendant into custody and protect the community from further harm," ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson said. "ATF remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the community from violent crime and hold those accountable who choose to commit violent crime.”
Uriarte was recently arraigned on multiple criminal charges, including first-degree murder. He pleaded not guilty and is being held on no bail. Beard also pleaded not guilty at his arraignment.
The defendants are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on March 20.
"I am thankful that all aspects of the Goshen mass shooting are being identified, and the egregious felony acts, including this shooting at agents, are being addressed," Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said.
If convicted of assault on a federal officer, Uriarte faces 20 years in prison. If convicted of discharging a firearm during a violent crime, he faces 10 years in prison, and if convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, he faces 15 years in prison.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Goshen massacre suspect faces federal charges
