Federal prosecutors have filed charges against a California man following a dangerous Coast Guard attack. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Brendan Munro Thompson of Oakland, allegedly drove a U-Haul truck toward officers stationed at Coast Guard Base Alameda on October 23. Authorities say the act put multiple federal personnel at risk and triggered gunfire during the tense confrontation.
Thompson, who also uses the names Bella Thompson and Bella Castillo, now faces assault charges involving a deadly or dangerous weapon. Investigators claim the incident unfolded around 10 p.m. when the truck approached the base’s entrance on the bridge linking Coast Guard Island to Oakland. Officers immediately issued commands to stop, but the driver ignored repeated warnings and continued reversing the vehicle.
Moments later, officers fired several rounds after determining the U-Haul posed an imminent threat. According to court filings, the Coast Guard attack happened following erratic vehicle movements observed throughout the day. Officials later discovered that the same truck had been parked outside the base for several hours before the event.
Photographs captured law enforcement inspecting the abandoned vehicle after the driver fled the scene. Two individuals arrived at nearby hospitals later that night with gunshot injuries. Authorities confirmed Thompson was among them, receiving treatment before being placed in custody.
Prosecutors allege Thompson intentionally reversed and accelerated the truck toward officers, fearing the vehicle could strike or explode. They emphasized that security personnel acted quickly to protect themselves and others at the base. U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian stated there would be zero tolerance for violence against federal officers.
FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo condemned the incident, reaffirming support for law enforcement protecting national security sites. He said that using a truck to assault federal personnel represents a deliberate and violent criminal act.
Officials also reported a protest near the base earlier that day, where demonstrators attempted to block entry for federal agents. The rally prompted additional security measures and led to multiple detentions.
Thompson appeared in court on November 4 and awaits a detention hearing scheduled for November 10. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Coast Guard attack has drawn national attention, underscoring growing concerns about threats to federal officers.
