A former U.S. Navy SEAL was sentenced on July 27 to 16 months in prison for transporting explosives with the intent to use them against law enforcement officers at protests in California.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Gregory Vandenberg, 49, traveled from El Paso, Texas, to San Diego, California, ahead of the “No Kings Day” protests scheduled for June 14. While passing through New Mexico on June 12, Vandenberg purchased six large mortar fireworks and 72 M-150 firecrackers from a travel center near Lordsburg. He told a store clerk he intended to throw the fireworks at police officers during the upcoming protests and asked about their explosive force and potential for injury. Vandenberg also discussed taping multiple fireworks together and encouraged the clerk to join him at the event.
Employees reported his statements and license plate number to law enforcement out of concern for public safety. Authorities later alleged that Vandenberg’s actions posed a serious risk of injury or death to both officers and bystanders.
Federal agents tracked Vandenberg’s vehicle to Tucson, Arizona, where he was arrested while sleeping in his car at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. A search revealed the purchased fireworks as well as clothing displaying antisemitic and extremist imagery. Agents also found that his phone displayed content supportive of extremist groups.
Investigators reviewed messages on Vandenberg’s phone indicating hostility toward Jews and Israel. Court records stated that these beliefs motivated his desire to target law enforcement officers during the protests.
On January 12, following a five-day jury trial, a federal jury convicted Vandenberg of transportation of explosives with intent to kill, injure or intimidate as well as attempted transportation of prohibited fireworks into California. Upon release from prison, he will serve one year of supervised release.