Here’s a breakdown of the information presented in the text:
Key Points:
* Gregory Vandenberg, a former navy SEAL, has been charged with plotting to use explosives at a protest in California.
* He purchased fireworks: Six large mortar fireworks and 72 M-150 firecrackers (designed to sound like gunfire).
* Intent: He intended to harm law enforcement at the protests and even tried to recruit the store clerk to help. He was focused on the explosive power, not the visual display.
* Extremist Symbolism:
* He wore a T-shirt with “Amalek” on it, explaining he designed it to mean “destroyer of Jews” (Amalek has a historical significance as enemies of the Israelites).
* His phone background was the Taliban flag.
* Evidence included a hat with the calligraphy of the Al Qaeda flag.
* Background: Vandenberg was unemployed and living in his car. He claimed to have significant explosives knowledge and special operations experience.
* Location of Purchase: The fireworks were purchased at a travel center near Lordsburg, New Mexico.
In essence, the text details the arrest of a former Navy SEAL with extremist views who was planning a violent attack using explosives at a protest. The evidence suggests a clear anti-Semitic and possibly broader extremist ideology.
