Texas man charged with buying fireworks in New Mexico to shoot at ICE at LA riots

The Department of Justice has filed criminal charges against a Texas man who allegedly purchased large-scale explosives to be used against law enforcement officers at the anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles, California.

Grzegorz Vandenberg, 48, has been charged with transporting explosives in interstate commerce with the knowledge and intent that they would be used to kill, injure, or intimidate individuals, according to a press release.

On June 12, Vandenberg purchased six mortars, each containing 60 grams of gunpowder, and 36 large-scale fireworks from a travel center in Lordsburg, New Mexico. While at the store, he reportedly requested assistance to "select fireworks that could be thrown directly at people to cause harm," according to an FBI affidavit.

Vandenberg reportedly told store employees that he was a US Special Forces military veteran, could make pipe bombs, and stated that he was traveling to Los Angeles for the riots with the intent to kill law enforcement officers or government officials, according to court filings. A store cashier disclosed the matter to an FBI special agent during an interview on June 12.

According to the FBI affidavit, the cashier felt uncomfortable during the exchange with Vandenberg and followed him out to his vehicle to capture his license plate number. Vandenberg had been driving a Silver Ford Bronco with Montana license plate 660026D.

"This man allegedly intended to use the chaotic riots in Los Angeles as an opportunity to commit deadly violence against law enforcement officers," said Attorney General Pam Bondi in a press release. "Threats like these strike at the heart of law and order - we will not hesitate to bring federal charges against anyone who seeks to harm law enforcement or endanger the safety of our communities."

Vandenberg will remain in custody pending trial, according to the Justice Department. If convicted on charges, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

"Our message is clear: If you come after law enforcement officers, the FBI will spare no effort to find you and bring you to justice," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "This defendant allegedly intended to use explosives to attack police officers currently conducting law enforcement operations in Los Angeles and - with the help of a store cashier who took down his license plate information - we were able to put a stop to that plan. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to serve the American people and the FBI will always do our part to protect them."

This case is being investigated by the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with the assistance of the FBI's Phoenix Field Office, the Tucson Police Department, the US Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso. Assistant US Attorneys Joni Stahl and Grant Gardner for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case, with assistance provided by trial attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.