A former US Navy SEAL has been found guilty by a federal jury of plotting to use powerful fireworks as explosives against law enforcement officers during a political rally in San Diego last year.
Neo-Nazi Beliefs and a Deadly Plan
Gregory Vandenberg, 49, was convicted on Monday after a five-day trial in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Prosecutors successfully argued that he transported fireworks across state lines with the specific intent to kill or injure police at the 'No Kings' demonstration on 14 June 2025.
Evidence presented in court revealed Vandenberg's extremist ideology. Investigators found messages on his phone expressing anger towards former President Donald Trump, based on his belief that the US government is controlled by Israel and Jewish people. His phone's home screen displayed a Taliban flag.
FBI agents testified that clothing and paraphernalia with anti-Israel slogans and neo-Nazi symbols were discovered in his car. This included a flag for the militant 'Caucasian Front' and a Latin message translating to 'Judea must be destroyed'.
The Purchase and the Arrest
The plot began to unravel on 12 June when Vandenberg, who was unemployed and living in his car, stopped at a travel centre in Lordsburg, New Mexico. There, he purchased six large mortar fireworks and 72 M-150 firecrackers designed to mimic gunfire.
While in the shop, he wore a T-shirt bearing the word 'Amalek', which he told the clerk he had designed to mean 'destroyer of Jews'. He boasted of his explosives knowledge and special forces background, outlining his plan to target police at the upcoming San Diego rally and even urging the clerk to join him.
Alarmed staff noted his licence plate and alerted authorities. Vandenberg was arrested on 13 June while sleeping in his car at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. He told FBI agents he was travelling for work and to visit friends, claims contradicted by his lack of employment.
Verdict and Sentencing
The jury convicted Vandenberg on charges of transportation of explosives with intent to kill, injure or intimidate, and attempted transportation of prohibited fireworks into California. He was ordered held in custody pending a sentencing hearing, where he faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.
Acting US Attorney Ryan Ellison stated the verdict sends a clear message. 'People in this country are free to hold their own beliefs and to express them peacefully,' he said. 'What they are not free to do is use explosives to threaten or terrorize others. Vandenberg intended to turn explosives into a tool of intimidation.'
A message seeking comment was left with his defence attorney, Russell Dean Clark.
