Federal Agents Thwart Man’s Explosive Plot Against Officers During LA Riots
A man is in custody after federal authorities foiled an alleged plan to use explosives against police during Los Angeles deportation protests. Grzegorz Vandenberg, 48, is facing federal charges for allegedly purchasing fireworks with the intent to harm law enforcement officers and government officials during the anti-ICE riots.
Vandenberg allegedly told store employees he had military special forces experience and claimed he could make pipe bombs before revealing his plan to travel to Los Angeles to kill officers. Federal prosecutors claim he purchased six mortars and 36 large fireworks, which could be used for harmful purposes.
According to the Department of Justice, Vandenberg visited a travel center in New Mexico, where he requested assistance in selecting fireworks that could be thrown directly at people to cause harm. While at the store, he told employees he previously served in the military’s special forces and claimed he could make pipe bombs before revealing his plan to travel to Los Angeles to kill law enforcement officers and government officials in the anti-ICE riots.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated in a statement that Vandenberg’s intended use of the chaotic riots in Los Angeles as an opportunity to commit deadly violence against law enforcement officers strikes at the heart of law and order. She emphasized that threats like these will not be tolerated, and federal charges will be brought against anyone who seeks to harm law enforcement or endanger communities.
Staff members at the store reported that Vandenberg requested to buy the ‘largest explosives available’ and invited an employee to join him at the riots. The DOJ said he also allegedly claimed to be in possession of mortar explosives and further revealed his plan to use them on officers at the riots. Vandenberg ultimately purchased six mortars, each containing 60 grams of gunpowder, and 36 large fireworks, according to federal prosecutors.
FBI Director Kash Patel noted that the FBI was able to stop the plan with the help of a store cashier who took down his license plate information. Patel emphasized that the FBI will spare no effort to find and bring to justice anyone who seeks to harm law enforcement officers currently conducting law enforcement operations in Los Angeles.
Vandenberg is currently in custody and faces up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted. He is charged with transporting explosives in interstate commerce with the knowledge and intent that they would be used to kill, injure, or intimidate individuals. Fox News Digital was unable to immediately identify an attorney for Vandenberg.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico stated that targeting law enforcement with violence is not protest—it’s a crime. Anyone who attempts to harm officers or undermine public safety will be held accountable.