Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
A federal jury in Orlando, Florida, has convicted Giovanni Isai Ramirez Reyes, 38, of arson of a building or property resulting in injury after he ignited and threw marine flares into a crowd during a Major League Soccer match. The incident, which occurred on February 24, 2024, at Inter&Co Stadium, caused damage to the venue and inflicted a burn injury on a four-year-old child. Ramirez Reyes now faces a minimum of 7 years and up to 40 years in federal prison, with his sentencing scheduled for January 12, 2026.
Details of the Incident
During the soccer match, evidence presented at trial showed Ramirez Reyes intentionally lit two marine flares and hurled them into a section of the stadium occupied by fans. The projectiles not only damaged the stadium’s property but also caused a burn injury to a young child present in the crowd.
Following the act, Ramirez Reyes attempted to evade detection by quickly moving to another area of the stadium. He was seen removing his hat and jacket in an effort to disguise himself while observing the flares burn. After a brief period, he fled the stadium.
Investigation and Conviction
Law enforcement officials were able to identify Ramirez Reyes through extensive review of stadium surveillance footage. This critical evidence led to his apprehension and subsequent federal prosecution.
The case was a collaborative investigative effort involving the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Orlando Police Department, and the Orlando Fire Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro is prosecuting the case, which culminated in the federal jury’s guilty verdict on November 14, 2025.
Path Forward
Ramirez Reyes’s conviction for arson resulting in injury carries a significant federal prison sentence. The upcoming sentencing hearing will determine the precise length of his incarceration, which could range from seven to forty years.
