A federal jury has convicted a former U.S. Navy SEAL of transporting explosive materials with the intention of using them against law enforcement officers at a politically charged protest in San Diego, California — part of the broader “No Kings” demonstrations that have drawn attention across the United States. The verdict marks a rare conviction linking a former special operations service member to a plot that federal prosecutors described as a violent attempt to intimidate and harm police officers.
Details of the Conviction
On January 13, 2026, a jury in Albuquerque, New Mexico, found 49‑year‑old Gregory Vandenberg guilty of transportation of explosives with intent to kill, injure, or intimidate, and attempted transportation of prohibited fireworks into California, federal authorities said. The verdict followed a five‑day trial prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which presented evidence that Vandenberg had planned to travel from El Paso, Texas, to San Diego to carry out his scheme at the June 14, 2025 protest.
The jury’s decision means Vandenberg now faces up to 10 years in federal prison; a sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. He has been ordered to remain in custody pending that hearing.
Planned Use of Explosives
Prosecutors showed that Vandenberg stopped at a travel center near Lordsburg, New Mexico, on June 12, 2025, where he purchased six large mortar fireworks and 72 M‑150 firecrackers — devices with the capacity to create loud explosive sounds and potentially pose harm. He allegedly told a store clerk repeatedly that he intended to use the fireworks as weapons against police at the upcoming protest in San Diego and even asked detailed questions about the quantity of “gunpowder” and their impact.
Testimony indicated that Vandenberg described his interest in the items not for a celebratory display, but for their explosive potential to injure or intimidate first responders. Authorities say he discussed possibly taping multiple fireworks together to increase their force.
Background and Beliefs
Investigators also uncovered extremist beliefs and materials in Vandenberg’s possession. According to prosecutors, messages on his phone included grievances against President Donald Trump, framed by the belief that the U.S. government was controlled by Israel and Jewish people — claims rooted in conspiratorial and antisemitic thinking. His phone’s home screen allegedly displayed a Taliban flag, and agents found clothing and paraphernalia with neo‑Nazi symbols and anti‑Israel slogans in his vehicle.
Among the items allegedly found were a flag associated with the militant group known as the Caucasian Front and a shirt with a Latin phrase that prosecutors said meant “Judea must be destroyed.” These elements formed part of the government’s broader narrative about Vandenberg’s motives.
Arrest and Prosecution
After the travel center incident, employees became alarmed by Vandenberg’s comments. They wrote down his license plate and alerted law enforcement. He was later arrested on June 13, 2025, while sleeping in his car at Davis‑Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. At the time of his arrest, Vandenberg reportedly told FBI agents that he was traveling for work and visiting friends in Phoenix, despite having no stable employment and reportedly living in his vehicle.
Federal prosecutors emphasized that the evidence supported charges of not just possession of prohibited fireworks, but intent to use them to harm law enforcement officers. This intent was critical in drawing the more serious charges during the trial.
Government Response and Legal Context
In a statement after the verdict, Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison highlighted the government’s position that the right to hold personal beliefs — even controversial or unpopular ones — does not include the right to plan or execute actions designed to terrorize or harm others. He reiterated that peaceful protest is protected under the Constitution, but using force or explosives is a prosecutable crime.
The case underscores how federal prosecutors approach situations where violent or extremist intent intersects with public political expression. Law enforcement and legal experts stress that targeting officers or using explosives at protests crosses a line from lawful dissent to criminal conduct.
‘No Kings’ Demonstrations and Broader Debate
The planned attack was linked to the broader “No Kings” protests, a series of demonstrations held across Southern California and other parts of the country in mid‑2025. These protests were organized to express opposition to immigration enforcement actions and the perception of an overly powerful executive branch.
While most demonstrators participated peacefully, the conviction of a former special operations service member highlights concerns about radicalization and the use of violence in politically charged environments. Civil liberties advocates have emphasized that while peaceful protest is essential to democratic engagement, violence and planned attacks undermine the legitimacy of expressive movements and pose risks to public safety.
Looking Ahead
Vandenberg’s sentencing, which could result in a prison term of up to a decade, will take place once the court finalizes the necessary schedule. Legal analysts note that cases combining extremist ideology with planned violence present challenging yet important tests of federal prosecution strategies.
The verdict also serves as a reminder that individuals planning or advocating harm under the cover of political expression face serious consequences under U.S. law — particularly where public safety is at risk.
The conviction of a former Navy SEAL who intended to use explosives against police at a public rally marks a rare and serious instance of planned violence tied to extremist beliefs in the modern protest era. With federal authorities emphasizing both the protection of civil liberties and the need to prosecute violent intent, the case reflects ongoing tensions between national security, free speech, and public safety in the United States.
