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Ex-Navy SEAL Convicted for Transporting Explosives to Protests

1/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

A federal jury convicted former U.S. Navy SEAL Gregory Vandenberg, 49, for transporting explosives intended to harm law enforcement during the "No Kings Day" protests in California.
Prosecutors stated Vandenberg traveled from El Paso, Texas, to San Diego, buying large fireworks in New Mexico and alarming store employees with his intentions.
Authorities arrested Vandenberg in Arizona, where he had extremist symbols and anti-government messages.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison noted that while peaceful expression is permitted, using explosives for intimidation is not.
Vandenberg faces a potential 10-year prison sentence.

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Story summary

A federal jury convicted former U.S. Navy SEAL Gregory Vandenberg, 49, for transporting explosives intended to harm law enforcement during the "No Kings Day" protests in California.
Prosecutors stated Vandenberg traveled from El Paso, Texas, to San Diego, buying large fireworks in New Mexico and alarming store employees with his intentions.
Authorities arrested Vandenberg in Arizona, where he had extremist symbols and anti-government messages.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison noted that while peaceful expression is permitted, using explosives for intimidation is not.
Vandenberg faces a potential 10-year prison sentence.