A federal jury in Orlando has convicted Giovanni Isai Ramirez Reyes, 38, of arson resulting in injury after an incident at Inter&Co Stadium during a Major League Soccer match on February 24, 2024. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the verdict, noting that Ramirez Reyes faces a minimum sentence of seven years and up to forty years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2026.
During the trial, evidence showed that Ramirez Reyes ignited two marine flares and threw them into a crowd of fans at the stadium. The act resulted in damage to the facility and caused a burn injury to a four-year-old child. After throwing the flares, Ramirez Reyes attempted to avoid identification by moving to another section of the stadium and changing his appearance before leaving the venue. Authorities later identified him through stadium surveillance footage.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation with assistance from the Orlando Police Department and the Orlando Fire Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro is prosecuting the case.
United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe stated: “Ramirez Reyes faces a minimum penalty of 7 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 12, 2026.”
The press release notes that details about this case were not previously published due to a government shutdown but have been made available following a return to normal operations.
