A shocking incident took place in San Jose, California, when Richard Tillman, brother of late NFL player and Army Ranger Pat Tillman, was arrested after crashing a vehicle into a post office and allegedly setting it on fire. This unexpected event has raised many questions, especially given the Tillman family’s known history.
Who Is Richard Tillman?
Richard Tillman is the brother of Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who left his football career to join the U.S. Army after the 9/11 attacks. Pat Tillman died in Afghanistan in 2004 in a tragic case of friendly fire.
His story gained national attention and made him a symbol of patriotism. Richard, 44, now finds himself in the news for very different reasons.
What Happened in San Jose?
Early Sunday morning, around 3 a.m., a vehicle crashed into the post office located on Crown Boulevard in South San Jose. The car caught fire, leading to a serious blaze. Firefighters rushed to the scene and controlled the fire by around 4:30 a.m., but not before the building suffered massive damage.
According to investigators, Richard Tillman is suspected of intentionally reversing his vehicle into the post office lobby and setting it on fire. The Almaden Station Post Office has been declared a total loss due to the damage.
What Did Authorities Find?
Authorities revealed that someone had spray-painted the words “Viva La Me” on the outside of the post office. While “Viva la” is Spanish for “long live,” the full phrase’s meaning remains unclear. Investigators are still trying to understand why Richard may have done this.
U.S. Postal Inspector Matthew Norfleet commented, “It certainly seems like a possibility that this fire was intentionally set. Why anybody would do that is beyond explanation.”
What Is Known About the Tillman Family?
Pat Tillman was known and respected across the U.S. for giving up a successful football career to serve in the Army. He died at just 27 years old in 2004. Initially, the Army said he died protecting his fellow soldiers, but it was later confirmed he was accidentally shot by U.S. forces.
The Tillman family, especially Pat’s mother Mary, has kept a low profile in recent years. A friend confirmed that Mary recently moved from San Jose to Arizona after selling her home, which was located just four miles from the post office that was burned.
What Happens Next?
Richard Tillman was arrested at the scene and is now facing serious federal charges. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday at noon. The investigation is still ongoing, and officials have not yet confirmed a motive for the alleged crime.
What About Mail Services?
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has announced that despite the damage, mail pick-up services will resume from Tuesday, July 22, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Retail services at the nearby Willow Glen station will continue as usual from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
This unusual and disturbing incident involving the brother of a national hero has left many people confused and concerned. While Richard Tillman’s actions are under investigation, the connection to such a well-known family only deepens the mystery.
Authorities are still searching for answers, and the public remains curious about what could have led to such a destructive act.
