Federal authorities have arrested a Texas man who allegedly planned to use homemade explosives to target law enforcement during the ongoing anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles.
Grzegorz Vandenberg, 48, was taken into custody after allegedly purchasing dozens of high-powered fireworks and materials commonly used in improvised explosive devices. According to federal investigators, Vandenberg intended to build pipe bombs and deploy them during violent protests near federal buildings in downtown LA.
The suspect reportedly told a fireworks dealer in New Mexico that he had “military experience” and needed mortars to “send a message.” Store staff became suspicious and alerted authorities, providing surveillance footage and a license plate number that ultimately led to Vandenberg’s arrest in Tucson, Arizona.
He has been charged with transporting explosives across state lines with the intent to harm or intimidate federal officers—a federal crime that carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a statement condemning the plot, calling it “a premeditated act of domestic terrorism.” FBI Director Kash Patel praised the rapid response by local businesses and federal agencies, crediting the arrest to quick coordination and citizen vigilance.
“This wasn’t just a threat—it was a plan to assassinate law enforcement officers during a time of national unrest,” Patel said. “We will not tolerate this kind of politically motivated violence.”
Officials say the case underscores the growing danger posed by extremist actors using chaotic protest environments as cover for attacks on government personnel. Vandenberg remains in federal custody pending trial.