Texas Man Accused of Targeting Police Officers with Fireworks
A man from Texas faces accusations of planning to assault police officers using fireworks amid recent anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.
The U.S. Department of Justice stated that 48-year-old Grzegorz Vandenberg transported explosives across state lines with the intent to harm. Reports indicate that these explosives can injure, kill, or threaten individuals.
On June 12, Vandenberg allegedly visited a travel center in Roseburg, New Mexico, where he purchased various fireworks and explosive devices. During the transaction, he asked for assistance in selecting fireworks that could be thrown at people.
According to the DOJ’s press release, Vandenberg claimed to be a former special forces member and expressed his capability to create pipe bombs. He mentioned he was heading to Los Angeles for the riots with the intent to kill law enforcement officers or government officials.
Additionally, he allegedly encouraged store staff to accompany him and his crew to California.
“He indicated he possessed a mortar explosive,” the prosecutors noted, emphasizing that he repeatedly detailed his plans to use these items during the protests in Los Angeles. He reportedly left the store in a vehicle registered in Montana, carrying six mortars—each containing 60 grams of gunpowder and 36 large fireworks.
Law enforcement tracked Vandenberg down in Tucson, Arizona, where he was arrested the next day.
Attorney General Pamela Bondy condemned Vandenberg’s intentions, stating that he aimed to exploit the chaos of the Los Angeles riots to inflict violence on police officers. “Anyone threatening law and order will face federal charges,” she warned.
FBI Director Kash Patel added, “If there’s an attack on law enforcement, we will do everything in our power to catch you.” He noted that Vandenberg intended to use explosives against active law enforcement in Los Angeles, and thanks to information from the store’s staff regarding his license plate, the plot was thwarted. Law enforcement officers risk their lives to protect the community.
