Domestic Extremism and Terrorism

A federal jury has convicted former U.S. Navy SEAL Gregory Vandenberg, 49, of transporting explosives with intent to kill, injure or intimidate and attempting to bring prohibited fireworks into California for use against law enforcement during planned "No Kings Day" protests in June 2025. Prosecutors say Vandenberg drove from El Paso, Texas, toward San Diego and stopped in New Mexico to buy six large mortar-style fireworks, telling store employees he planned to throw them at police and asking detailed questions about their gunpowder content and ability to cause harm, prompting staff to record his license plate and alert authorities. Agents arrested him in Arizona and found clothing bearing antisemitic, anti-Israel and extremist symbols, including a T-shirt with an al-Qaeda flag image, and later recovered phone messages showing anger at the U.S. government, including President Donald Trump, based on conspiracy beliefs that Jews and Israel control the government. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison said the case shows people are free to hold beliefs but not to "use explosives to threaten or terrorize others," framing the verdict as a warning that violent intimidation at protests will bring federal consequences. Vandenberg remains in custody pending sentencing and faces up to 10 years in prison, underscoring ongoing federal focus on domestic extremism and protest-related violence from across the ideological spectrum.