A federal jury has convicted an Orlando man for throwing two burning marine flares into a crowd of fans during a 2024 Major League Soccer match, injuring a child and damaging stadium property.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 38-year-old Giovanni Isai Ramirez Reyes was found guilty of arson of a building or property resulting in injury. He now faces a mandatory minimum of seven years and up to forty years in federal prison. Sentencing is set for January 12, 2026.
Prosecutors said Ramirez Reyes ignited two marine flares during the February 24, 2024 match at Inter&Co Stadium and hurled them into a section of spectators. The burning flares injured a four-year-old child and damaged stadium property.
Investigators testified that after throwing the flares, Ramirez Reyes moved to another part of the stadium, removed his hat and jacket in an attempt to disguise himself, and watched the flares burn before fleeing the venue. Detectives later identified him through stadium surveillance footage.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Orlando Police Department, and the Orlando Fire Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro is prosecuting the case.
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