Brother of Late NFL Star Pat Tillman Pleads Guilty to Burning Down Post Office

Richard Tillman faces up to 20 years in prison for intentionally crashing his car into a California post office and setting it on fire.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Richard Tillman, the 44-year-old brother of late NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman, has pleaded guilty to intentionally crashing his vehicle into a U.S. Postal Office in San Jose, California and then setting it on fire in July 2025. Prosecutors say Tillman wanted to "make a point to the United States government" through the attack, which caused significant damage to the post office lobby.

Why it matters

The attack on the post office by the brother of a well-known American hero raises concerns about mental health issues and the potential for violence against government institutions, especially in the wake of the 9/11 attacks that inspired Pat Tillman to join the military.

The details

According to prosecutors, Richard Tillman intentionally drove his vehicle through the front doors of the Almaden Valley Station Post Office in San Jose, then got out, doused the car in lighter fluid, and threw a lit match inside, causing the entire lobby to catch fire. The fire caused significant damage and has left the post office lobby unusable since the incident.

  • On July 20, 2025, Richard Tillman crashed his vehicle into the Almaden Valley Station Post Office in San Jose, California.
  • On February 9, 2026, Richard Tillman pleaded guilty in federal court to the charges.
  • Richard Tillman's sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 27, 2026.

The players

Richard Tillman

The 44-year-old brother of late NFL star and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who pleaded guilty to intentionally crashing his vehicle into a U.S. Postal Office in San Jose, California and setting it on fire in 2025.

Pat Tillman

The late NFL player who walked away from a new contract offer to join the U.S. Army Rangers after the 9/11 attacks, and was later killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004.

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What’s next

Richard Tillman faces a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years, along with a $250,000 fine. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 27, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of mental health issues and the potential for violence against government institutions, even among the families of American heroes like Pat Tillman. It raises questions about how to better support those struggling with trauma and prevent such destructive acts in the future.