Brother of Late NFL Star Pat Tillman Pleads Guilty to Arson at California Post Office

Richard Tillman admitted to intentionally setting fire to a San Jose post office to "make a point to the United States government."

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The youngest brother of late NFL player-turned-soldier Pat Tillman pleaded guilty this week to setting fire to a San Jose, California post office last summer. Richard Tillman, 44, admitted in federal court that he intentionally started the fire in order to "make a point to the United States government." Prosecutors did not specify what point Tillman was trying to make. Tillman remains in federal custody and faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on April 27.

Why it matters

The Tillman family has a complex history with the U.S. government after Pat Tillman's death in Afghanistan in 2004, which the military initially misrepresented. This latest incident involving Richard Tillman further highlights the ongoing mental health challenges faced by the Tillman family members.

The details

According to prosecutors, Richard Tillman told officers at the scene that he had livestreamed the post office arson incident on YouTube. U.S. Postal Inspector Shannon Roark confirmed that Tillman made this statement to authorities.

  • Richard Tillman pleaded guilty on February 11, 2026.
  • The arson incident at the San Jose post office occurred last summer.
  • Tillman is scheduled to be sentenced on April 27, 2026.

The players

Richard Tillman

The 44-year-old youngest brother of late NFL star-turned-soldier Pat Tillman, who pleaded guilty to intentionally setting fire to a San Jose post office.

Pat Tillman

The late NFL player who left the Arizona Cardinals to join the military after 9/11 and was killed in Afghanistan in 2004 at age 27.

Kevin Tillman

The brother of Pat Tillman who also left his Major League Baseball career with the Anaheim Angels to serve in the military.

Shannon Roark

The U.S. Postal Inspector who confirmed that Richard Tillman told officers at the scene that he had livestreamed the post office arson incident on YouTube.

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What they’re saying

“After the crash, his brother Kevin Tillman said in a statement that Richard Tillman had been suffering from 'severe mental health issues' for many years, and the family was relieved no one was hurt.”

— Kevin Tillman (Associated Press)

What’s next

Tillman is scheduled to be sentenced on April 27, 2026, where he could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing mental health challenges faced by the Tillman family, who have a complex history with the U.S. government following the death of NFL star Pat Tillman in Afghanistan. It raises questions about how to support veterans and their families dealing with severe mental health issues.