Federal Agents bust Texas man’s explosive plot to target officers amid LA riots
A man was arrested on charges of trying to purchase fireworks to use in protests in Los Angeles.
Federal authorities have arrested a man who allegedly planned to use explosive devices against police and government officials during anti-deportation protests in California.
The man, identified as Grzegorz Vandenberg, approximately 48 years old, faces federal charges for purchasing fireworks to harm federal agents, the Department of Justice said in a statement on social media. It also details that the man went to a travel center in New Mexico to purchase the fireworks.
Man sought homemade bombs to attack police during LA riots, DOJ reveals
In addition, store employees immediately told him they knew how to make homemade bombs, something that caught Vandenberg's attention, according to federal officials. Vandenberg then asked to buy "the largest explosives" and also invited an employee to join the march, according to the Department of Justice.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated how dangerous this individual could be if his plan was not thwarted. “This individual allegedly intended to take advantage of the chaotic riots in Los Angeles to commit acts of deadly violence against law enforcement officers,” Bondi said.
FBI foils LA bomb plot targeting police; suspect faces up to 10 years in prison
It was also discovered that Vandenberg possessed explosive mortars and purchased six of them containing 60 grams of gunpowder and 36 large firecrackers. FBI Director Kash Patel stated the following: “This defendant allegedly intended to use explosives to attack police officers conducting enforcement operations in Los Angeles, and with the help of a store cashier who wrote down his license plate information, we were able to stop that plot. Our message is clear: if you are pursuing law enforcement officers, the FBI will spare no effort to find you and bring you to justice,” Patel said.
The defendant could face up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted on charges of transporting explosives to kill, intimidate, or even injure people at the march. Vandenberg is currently in custody awaiting the first trial in his case.
