Brother of Pat Tillman Arrested After Allegedly Driving Into San Jose Post Office and Setting Fire

Richard Tillman, 44, the brother of the late Pat Tillman, was arrested early Sunday morning in connection with an incident at the Almaden Station Post Office in San Jose, California. The incident, which occurred around 3 a.m. on July 20, 2025, involved a vehicle crashing into the post office, followed by a fire that has resulted in the building being declared a total loss.
Intentional Act Suspected in Post Office Incident

Authorities are investigating the incident as a potential intentional act. According to U.S. Postal Inspector Matthew Norfleet, there is a strong possibility that the fire was deliberately set. It is alleged that Richard Tillman intentionally reversed a vehicle into the lobby of the Almaden Station Post Office, located on the 6500 block of Crown Boulevard, and then ignited the building.
"Viva La Me" Graffiti Found at the Scene

Adding to the perplexing nature of the incident, the phrase "Viva La Me" was reportedly spray-painted on the exterior of the post office. The meaning of this graffiti is currently unclear, and authorities have not yet commented on its potential significance.
Suspect Claimed to be Livestreaming Incident

According to reports, Richard Tillman identified himself to officers at the scene as Pat Tillman's brother. He also allegedly stated that he had been livestreaming the entire event on social media. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether such a livestream exists or if it has been recovered as part of the investigation.
Extensive Damage to Almaden Station Post Office

The Almaden Station Post Office sustained extensive damage and is considered a total loss. Approximately 50 firefighters responded to the scene to combat the blaze, successfully extinguishing the fire by around 4:30 a.m. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
Mail Service Disrupted: Alternative Pick-Up Location Announced
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has announced that the destruction of the Almaden Station Post Office will impact mail services for local residents. PO box customers and individuals with notice-left mail from the Almaden station are now directed to pick up their mail at the Willow Glen Post Office, located at 1750 Meridian Avenue.
Court Appearance Scheduled for Richard Tillman

Richard Tillman is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at noon. As of Sunday, July 20, 2025, no formal charges have been publicly announced, and no bail has been set in the case.
Remembering Pat Tillman: From NFL Star to Army Ranger

The incident involving Richard Tillman draws attention to his late brother, Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who made the notable decision to leave his career with the Arizona Cardinals and enlist in the U.S. Army Rangers following the September 11th attacks. Pat Tillman's story and his tragic death in Afghanistan in 2004, due to friendly fire, have been widely publicized and remain a sensitive topic.
Past Criticisms and Potential Connections
Richard Tillman has been vocal in the past, expressing criticisms regarding the circumstances surrounding his brother's death and the subsequent official narrative. This history may contribute to speculation about potential connections or underlying issues related to the current incident.
Federal Investigation Underway

Given that the incident involves a U.S. post office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is leading the investigation into the suspected intentional act and arson. Other agencies involved include the San Jose Fire Department (SJFD), which responded to and extinguished the fire, and the San Jose Police Department (SJPD), which was involved in the initial response and investigation. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office is responsible for operating the jail where Richard Tillman is currently being held.
Motive Remains Unknown

A central focus of the ongoing investigation is determining the motive behind the alleged intentional act. Authorities are exploring all possible angles to understand why the incident occurred.