The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced charges on Wednesday against a man who allegedly plotted to bring explosives to anti-deportation riots in Los Angeles in order to kill police officers.
Texas man Grzegorz Vandenberg, 48, allegedly purchased mortars and fireworks at a New Mexico store on Thursday and told staff about his plans to kill law enforcement or government officials in Los Angeles, the DOJ said Wednesday. Vandenburg faces charges related to the alleged transportation of explosives with criminal intent for allegedly seeking to contribute to the violent uprising against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that started June 6.
“Our message is clear: If you come after law enforcement officers, the FBI will spare no effort to find you and bring you to justice,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement. “This defendant allegedly intended to use explosives to attack police officers currently conducting law enforcement operations in Los Angeles and — with the help of a store cashier who took down his license plate information — we were able to put a stop to that plan.”
The suspect allegedly asked store employees for the largest explosives available and purchased 36 fireworks and six mortars, each containing 60 grams of gunpowder, according to the DOJ. He allegedly told staff he was formerly a special forces military officer and knew how to make pipe bombs.
Vandenberg faces up to ten years in prison if convicted, the DOJ said. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney.
President Donald Trump’s DOJ has charged more than 20 people in Los Angeles for allegedly participating in or supporting the riots, California DOJ prosecutor Bill Essayli said on Tuesday.
Agitators repeatedly launched fireworks at police as the chaos unfolded in Los Angeles.
“Tonight we had individuals out there shooting commercial-grade fireworks at our officers that can kill you,” Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell told reporters on June 8, three days into the riots. One day prior to Vandenburg’s alleged trip to the New Mexico store, McDonnell said rioters were already using mortars to hurl the projectiles.
“Targeting law enforcement with violence is not protest – it’s a crime,” New Mexico DOJ prosecutor Ryan Ellison said Wednesday. “Anyone who attempts to harm officers or undermine public safety will be held accountable.”
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