A Texas man faces federal charges for allegedly buying fireworks from a New Mexico store en route to California for their intended use.
A 48-year-old man named Grzegorz Vandenberg visited a travel center in Lordsburg on Thursday, requesting assistance from employees in choosing fireworks intended to be thrown at individuals to cause harm. Reports suggest he informed staff about his capability to create pipe bombs and expressed intentions to travel to Los Angeles during the riots with the aim of targeting law enforcement or government officials.
Vandenberg reportedly purchased six mortars, each filled with 60 grams of gunpowder, along with 36 large fireworks, before traveling west on Interstate 10 from the store.
Vandenberg is charged with the transportation of explosives across state lines, fully aware and intending that these materials would be utilized to harm, injure, or intimidate others. He will stay in custody until the trial takes place. A conviction could lead to a maximum of 10 years behind bars in federal prison.
“Targeting law enforcement with violence is not protest. It’s a crime,” U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison said. “Anyone who attempts to harm officers or undermine public safety will be held accountable. Protecting the safety of our communities and upholding the integrity of lawful demonstrations are priorities, and those who cross the line into violence will be prosecuted swiftly and to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Anyone who seeks to turn a lawful demonstration into a stage for violence, especially targeting law enforcement or government officials, poses a serious threat to public safety,” said Philip Russell, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “This arrest sends a clear message; we will not tolerate anyone who plans to use fear or force harm public servants. The FBI remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of all.”
