Daniel G. McGowan

Who is Daniel G. McGowan?

Daniel Gerard McGowan is an American environmental and social justice activist who was arrested and charged in federal court on multiple counts of arson and conspiracy, relating to the arson of Superior Lumber company in Glendale, Oregon on January 2, 2001, and Jefferson Poplar Farms in Clatskanie, Oregon on May 21, 2001, the latter of which the Earth Liberation Front claimed responsibility for. His arrest is part of what the US government has dubbed Operation Backfire.

McGowan was facing a minimum of life in prison if convicted when he accepted a non-cooperation plea agreement, pleading guilty on November 9, 2006. A terrorism enhancement was applied to his sentence, and McGowan was ultimately sentenced to 7 years imprisonment. He was released on parole in June 2013.