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Lordsburg, NM – June 2025
A Texas man has been federally charged after allegedly purchasing military-grade fireworks and explosives in New Mexico with the stated intention of using them to target law enforcement officers and government officials during riots in California.
Grzegorz Vandenberg, 48, was arrested following an alarming incident on June 12, 2025, at a travel center in Lordsburg, New Mexico, where he purchased large quantities of fireworks and openly discussed plans to commit violence.
🚨 Alarming Intentions and Explosives Purchase
According to court documents, during the transaction, Vandenberg requested high-impact fireworks that could be thrown directly at people. He boasted of prior military experience, claimed the ability to construct pipe bombs, and said he possessed mortar-style explosives.
Vandenberg told store employees he was en route to Los Angeles for the riots and stated his goal was to kill police officers and government officials. He purchased six mortar shells—each containing 60 grams of gunpowder—along with 36 large fireworks before departing westbound on Interstate 10 in a vehicle with Montana license plates.
The travel center staff, disturbed by his statements, promptly reported the incident, including noting Vandenberg’s license plate—information that proved crucial in disrupting the alleged plot.
🗨️ Federal Authorities Respond
“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 Pamela Bondi. “Threats like these strike at the heart of law and order — and we will not hesitate to pursue federal charges against anyone who endangers our communities.”
“Targeting law enforcement with violence is not protest – it’s a crime,” added U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico. “We will prosecute those who seek to weaponize public unrest for violent agendas.”
“Our message is clear,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “If you target law enforcement, the FBI will find you. Thanks to the vigilance of a store employee, this dangerous plan was stopped before lives were lost.”
⚖️ Charges and Legal Proceedings
Vandenberg has been charged with transporting explosives in interstate commerce with the intent that they be used to kill, injure, or intimidate. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has yet to be scheduled.
🔎 Investigation and Prosecution
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Las Cruces Resident Agency (Albuquerque Field Office), with assistance from:
- FBI Tucson Resident Agency (Phoenix Field Office)
- Tucson Police Department
- U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso
Prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joni Stahl and Grant Gardner for the District of New Mexico, with key contributions from Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Justice Department’s Counterterrorism Section.
Note: A criminal complaint is an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
