Ex-Navy SEAL convicted in plot to fire explosives at police during San Diego rally

The Store Stop That Triggered His Arrest

On June 12, Vandenberg stopped at a travel center near Lordsburg, New Mexico, and purchased six large mortar fireworks and 72 M-150 firecrackers, which are designed to sound like gunfire, prosecutors said. He told the store clerk that he had significant knowledge of explosives and prior special operations forces experience, and he outlined his intentions to harm police at the upcoming demonstration, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

While in the store, Vandenberg wore a T-shirt with the word “Amalek” on the front, which he said he designed specifically to mean “destroyer of Jews,” the office said. He also urged the clerk to join him, according to prosecutors.

Store employees wrote down Vandenberg’s license plate and contacted authorities. Vandenberg was arrested June 13 while sleeping in his car at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. He told FBI agents he was traveling for work and visiting friends in Phoenix, despite being unemployed, prosecutors said.

Evidence Presented at Trial

FBI agents testified that investigators found messages on Vandenberg’s phone indicating he was angry with President Donald Trump because he believed the U.S. government is controlled by Israel and the Jewish people, according to prosecutors. His phone’s home screen displayed a picture of the Taliban flag, they said.

Agents also testified that they found clothing and paraphernalia in Vandenberg’s car bearing anti-Israel slogans and neo-Nazi symbols, including a flag for the militant group the Caucasian Front and a message in Latin reading “Judea must be destroyed,” prosecutors said. Vandenberg had no stable employment and lived in his car, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Prosecutor’s Statement

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison said in a statement that the verdict shows the government will prosecute those who intend to use violence to express political beliefs.

“People in this country are free to hold their own beliefs and to express them peacefully,” Ellison 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 phone message left Tuesday seeking comment from Vandenberg’s attorney, Russell Dean Clark, was not immediately returned, according to the Associated Press.