Apparently, even threatening students with an axe and using WD-40 and a blowtorch to try and set them on fire isn’t jail-worthy in California. Such is what the Berkely Scanner reported, saying that Brandon McGlone, who was found guilty of lighting UC Berkeley students on fire at a boba shop near campus, will not face jail time. He won’t even face probation. Instead, he’s to participate in a “diversionary program for veterans.”
McGlone was convicted of the felonies in connection with the boba shop attack, along with a separate felony assault and gun charges from a domestic violence case, in late April, But instead of being locked away for a long time, as one might expect would happen to a violent criminal, McGlone will participate in the program instead. That is a result of a plea deal between the Alameda County district attorney’s office and the public defender’s office.
The judge in the case, Judge James Cramer, said, “He must successfully engage in and complete whatever course of therapy is prescribed by the treatment team and abide by whatever conditions are set forth. If he fails to do so, he could be terminated from the Veterans Treatment Court program and sentence will be imposed.”
The Daily Wire’s Michael Knowles tweeted about the shocking sentencing and contrasted it with the treatment of the January 6th protesters, saying, “A 49-year-old man threatens students with an axe and sets them on fire? No jail time. Some midwestern grannies take selfies in the Capitol rotunda? Lock ’em in solitary, and throw away the key!”
A 49-year-old man threatens students with an axe and sets them on fire? No jail time.
Some midwestern grannies take selfies in the Capitol rotunda? Lock 'em in solitary, and throw away the key!https://t.co/4pTXQ2Fdct
— Michael Knowles (@michaeljknowles) May 21, 2023
If McGlone does not complete the program, he could be sent to prison for up to eight years. If he makes it through 18 months of treatment before being kicked out of the program, he could receive felony probation instead of any jail time. If he completes the treatment program, he’ll face no jail time or probation.
The Berkeley Scanner, reporting on his flame-filled rampage in 2020 as described in the 2023 court testimony, said:
McGlone walked up to the man while holding a can of WD-40 in one hand and a lighter in the other, he testified.
At some point, McGlone began chasing the man down Durant and sprayed him with WD-40, according to testimony.
Another man also ran from McGlone to escape being set on fire after being sprayed with a liquid while waiting in line at Taco Bell Cantina, according to testimony.
McGlone’s next stop was Feng Cha Tea House, at 2528 Durant Ave., where he found students waiting in line to order food and drinks.
He sprayed two of them with WD-40 and used a lighter to ignite the gas, creating a massive fireball, witnesses said.
The students managed to pat out the flames and escape injury. Members of their group then confronted McGlone and fought with him in the street.
During the fight, according to testimony, McGlone first pulled out a knife and then pulled out a hatchet.
Featured image credit: Berkely Police Department
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