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A jury found Gregory Vandenberg, 49, guilty of attempting to transport explosives across state lines with the intent to harm law enforcement officers during a demonstration scheduled for June 14, 2025, in California. The former U.S. Navy SEAL was convicted following a five-day federal trial in the District of New Mexico on two counts: transportation of explosives with intent to kill, injure or intimidate, and attempted transportation of prohibited fireworks into California.
Vandenberg’s plans unraveled when employees at a travel center near Lordsburg, New Mexico, alerted authorities after he made incriminating statements during a purchase. The defendant bought six mortar-style fireworks and 72 M-150 firecrackers while en route from El Paso, Texas, to San Diego, and told the clerk he intended to deploy the explosives against police officers during the “No Kings” protests.
During the transaction, Vandenberg asked detailed questions about the gunpowder content and the destructive potential of combining multiple mortars, prosecutors said. He also invited the clerk to attend the demonstrations and distribute fireworks to others, claiming his military background would ensure the employee’s safety. The alarmed staff recorded his license plate and immediately contacted law enforcement.
Federal agents apprehended Vandenberg at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, the following morning while he slept in his vehicle. Investigators searching his car recovered the fireworks along with clothing bearing antisemitic symbols, Al-Qaeda flags, and neo-Nazi imagery. A forensic examination of his cellphone revealed a Taliban flag as his home screen and violent extremist content including messages about the upcoming protests.
Prosecutors argued that evidence from Vandenberg’s phone demonstrated his belief that the U.S. government, including President Donald Trump, was controlled by Israel and Jewish people, establishing his motive for the attack. Vandenberg falsely told investigators he was traveling for work despite being unemployed and claimed he was visiting friends in Phoenix.
The jury deliberated approximately three hours before returning guilty verdicts. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison stated that while Americans retain freedom of expression and belief, “What they are not free to do is use explosives to threaten or terrorize others.”
Vandenberg received a 16-month federal prison sentence and currently remains in custody. Upon release, he will complete one year of supervised release as part of his sentence.
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