Federal prosecutors allege that Christopher Solomon Proctor, 45, tried to ignite a gasoline-filled container under a KSTU-TV news vehicle in Salt Lake City on September 12, but the fuse burned out before the gas caught fire. The incident was described in court documents filed this week.
According to the filings, Proctor placed a 2.5-gallon (9.5-liter) gas can beneath the vehicle and lit a fuse attached to it. The fuse extinguished before igniting, preventing what authorities describe as a potentially destructive attack on a media outlet.
DNA Evidence and Arrest
Investigators say Proctor’s DNA was found on the gas can, and his vehicle was recorded by a license plate reader near the scene minutes after the incident. When authorities searched his home, they reportedly found black boots, another gas can with a carved hole, and part of a fuse similar to the one used in the failed attempt.
Proctor was arrested on September 29 and charged with attempted arson and possession of an unregistered destructive device. He has pleaded not guilty. His attorney, Richard Sorenson, has not commented publicly on the case.
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Judge Orders Proctor Held in Custody
During a Monday court hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Dustin Pead ordered that Proctor remain in custody until trial. The judge cited concerns that Proctor may have intended to repeat the attack, despite assurances from family and friends that he posed no danger to others.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Thorpe wrote that Proctor purchased additional fuse material days after the failed attempt and later returned to the scene. Thorpe noted that Proctor had previously mentioned “burning Fox News” and told an acquaintance he had lit a fuse under a “Fox News” vehicle that did not explode.
Other Arrests Not Connected to the Case
The day after the incident, two other men were arrested for allegedly placing a hoax bomb under the same KSTU-TV vehicle. Investigators found inactive dynamite in their home, but the pair was not charged in connection with Proctor’s alleged actions.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said those state charges were based on separate evidence and referred further questions about the gas can incident to federal authorities.
Federal court filings make no mention of the two men arrested on the state charges.
No Link to Charlie Kirk’s Death
The alleged arson attempt took place two days after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) away. Prosecutors said there is no evidence connecting Proctor’s actions to Kirk’s death, according to KSTU-TV.
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