Feds nab Texas man who bought fireworks, drove to LA to allegedly kill police at anti-ICE riots

Federal agents have tracked and arrested a Texas man who bought fireworks in New Mexico with the expressed intention of weaponizing them, then drove to Los Angeles with the alleged intent of using the incendiary devices to harm or kill law enforcement and government officials during the recent protests in the city against federal immigration raids.

The Justice Department last week identified the man as 48-year-old Grzegorz Vandenberg and said he went to a travel center June 12 in Lordsburg, New Mexico, to purchase the fireworks.

Federal charges against Vandenberg include transporting explosives in interstate commerce with the knowledge and intent that they would be used to kill, injure or intimidate individuals, according to the agency.

“This man allegedly intended to use the chaotic riots in Los Angeles as an opportunity to commit deadly violence against law enforcement officers,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said.

Vandenberg asked employees at the center which fireworks could be thrown at individuals and cause harm. He also told them he was capable of making pipe bombs, had been a member of U.S. military special forces and intended to kill the law enforcement and government officials , the agency also says.

Employees told authorities that Vandenberg bought six mortars, each containing 60 grams of gunpowder, and 36 large fireworks and that he invited them to join him and his platoon in California.

FBI Director Kash Patel said Vanderberg's plan was thwarted with the help of a store cashier who took down his license plate information.

"Our message is clear: If you come after law enforcement officers, the FBI will spare no effort to find you and bring you to justice,” Patel said.“

Vandenberg will stay in custody pending trial, for which there is no set date. If convicted, he could be looking at up to 10 years in federal prison.