According to the Department of Justice, two alleged white supremacists from Riverside County have been charged with federal hate crimes and obstruction of justice in connection with racially motivated attacks that occurred at the Oceanside Pier in June 2025. This development brings significant legal action following an incident that directly impacted the local community and its sense of safety. The charges underscore the federal government's commitment to prosecuting crimes driven by racial bias, particularly when they involve serious violence against individuals, including U.S. military personnel.
Austin Yohe, 34, of Riverside, and Daniel Burns, 36, of Norco, face charges of hate crimes and obstruction of justice, as reported by the Department of Justice. A third individual, 35-year-old Andrew Garcia of San Jacinto, has already pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice and is actively cooperating with investigators. The involvement of federal authorities, including the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, highlights the gravity of the allegations and the extensive nature of the investigation into the incident that took place in Oceanside.
Details of the Alleged Assault
The indictment, unsealed in federal court, details that Yohe, Burns, and Garcia were part of a larger group at the Oceanside Pier on the night of June 7, 2025. According to the Department of Justice, they allegedly attacked three victims without provocation, specifically targeting them because of their race. Two of the victims were U.S. Marines. Prosecutors assert that the group subjected the victims to a brutal assault, involving punching, kicking, and stomping, which resulted in serious injuries.
As reported by the Department of Justice, these injuries included a concussion and various fractures. FOX 5 San Diego further reported that one victim sustained a concussion, fractures, and other injuries in the unprovoked assault near the Oceanside Pier. The nature of these injuries underscores the severe physical impact on the victims and the violent character of the alleged attack, which has now led to federal charges.
Federal Charges and Legal Process
The charges of hate crimes carry significant legal weight, indicating that the alleged actions were motivated by bias against the victims' race. According to the Department of Justice, this classification elevates the severity of the offenses and reflects the federal government's stance against racially motivated violence. Beyond the physical assault, Yohe and Burns also face charges of obstruction of justice.
The Department of Justice reports that the defendants allegedly attempted to conceal their roles in the assault by lying to various authorities. This included providing false information to Riverside court personnel, local law enforcement officers in Oceanside, and agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Such actions are considered serious offenses, as they directly impede the course of justice and the efforts of law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes.
The FBI played a crucial role in apprehending the defendants. According to the Department of Justice, Austin Yohe was arrested in Riverside, while Daniel Burns was taken into custody at an associate’s home in Wilsonville, Alabama, demonstrating the reach of the federal investigation. The case is currently being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, ensuring a thorough legal process for an incident that has deeply affected the Oceanside community.