In a striking verdict delivered on Friday, a federal jury found Gregory Vandenberg, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, guilty of transporting explosives with the intent to cause harm to law enforcement officials during the anticipated “No Kings Day” protests in California. This decision was publicized by federal prosecutors, underlining the serious nature of the charges.
The Department of Justice detailed that Vandenberg, aged 49, faced conviction on charges of transporting explosives with the intent to kill, injure, or intimidate, alongside the attempted transportation of prohibited fireworks into California. The verdict was reached after a diligent five-day jury trial, followed by approximately three hours of jury deliberation.
Vandenberg’s journey began in El Paso, Texas, with a planned destination of San Diego, California, where he intended to take part in the “No Kings Day” protests scheduled for June 2025. During his travels, he made a notable stop in New Mexico to acquire six large mortar fireworks, a decision that proved pivotal in his case.
The Department of Justice reported that during his visit to the fireworks store, Vandenberg openly expressed to a store clerk his plan to use fireworks against police officers at the forthcoming protests. He inquired extensively about the gunpowder content, the explosive force of the fireworks, and their potential to cause harm, raising significant concern.
A courtroom sketch from the sentencing phase captures the gravity of the situation, depicting the former Navy SEAL facing consequences for his role in the protest plot. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico released the image as part of their official documentation.
The unsettling comments and inquiries made by Vandenberg alarmed store employees, prompting them to take action. They noted his license plate and swiftly alerted law enforcement, a move that ultimately contributed to his arrest and subsequent conviction.
He was arrested in Arizona where federal agents discovered clothing displaying antisemitic, anti-Israel, and extremist symbols, including a t-shirt with an image of the Al-Qaeda flag.
A review of his phone also uncovered messages indicating Vandenberg harbored anger toward the U.S. government, including President Donald Trump, driven by his belief that the government was controlled by Israel and Jews.
Federal agents stand by evidence after a jury found the ex-SEAL guilty of trying to harm law enforcement with explosives. (United States Attorney’s Office District of New Mexico)
“People in this country are free to hold their own beliefs and to express them peacefully,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “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, and this verdict sends the message that attempts to substitute violence for expressing one’s opinion has no place in our communities and will be met with federal consequences.”
Law enforcement officials at the No Kings protest reveal explosive materials linked to the former Navy SEAL suspect. (United States Attorney’s Office District of New Mexico)
The DOJ said the court ordered that Vandenberg remain in custody pending sentencing following the verdict, which hasn’t yet been scheduled.
He faces 10 years in prison.
