Federal agents stop man’s explosive plot against police in LA riots; VP Vance and National Guard address ongoing unrest.

Federal Agents Prevent Attack on Law Enforcement Amid Unrest

A 48-year-old man, Grzegorz Vandenberg, is in federal custody after authorities foiled an alleged plan to use explosives and large-scale fireworks against law enforcement officers and government officials during riots in Los Angeles protesting deportation efforts. The Department of Justice announced charges after Vandenberg’s intentions were flagged by vigilant store employees in New Mexico, who reported that he sought the “largest explosives available” and described a plot targeting police at the California demonstrations.

According to prosecutors, Vandenberg told store staff he had military special forces experience, claimed the ability to make pipe bombs, and expressed his intent to kill law enforcement officers and government officials in Los Angeles. He allegedly purchased six mortars and 36 large fireworks—each mortar containing 60 grams of gunpowder. The DOJ said he also invited a store employee to join him at the riots and boasted of possessing additional explosives. Staff who recorded his license plate enabled authorities to intervene before the plan could be carried out.

Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the alleged plot, stating, “Threats like these strike at the heart of law and order. We will not hesitate to bring federal charges against anyone who seeks to harm law enforcement or endanger the safety of our communities.” FBI Director Kash Patel reinforced the message, saying, “If you come after law enforcement officers, the FBI will spare no effort to find you and bring you to justice.” U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison added, “Targeting law enforcement with violence is not protest—it’s a crime.”

National Leaders Respond as Federal Forces Remain in LA

The incident comes as anti-ICE riots and widespread unrest continue in Los Angeles. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit the city to meet with federal law enforcement leaders, Marines, and officials at a Federal Joint Operations Center and Mobile Command Center. Vance’s visit is expected to include discussions on the impact of recent protests, law enforcement coordination, and the Trump administration’s ongoing response.

Earlier in June, President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard and hundreds of Marines to Los Angeles to support local police during escalating protests. The Trump administration’s decision to retain federal control of the National Guard was upheld by a unanimous Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on Thursday, following a legal challenge by California Governor Gavin Newsom. The ruling allows the president to keep control of the National Guard, marking the first such federalization without a governor’s consent since 1965.

President Trump praised the appellate decision, calling it a “BIG WIN” and emphasizing the federal government’s role in maintaining public order when state and local resources are insufficient. As law enforcement agencies remain on high alert and legal disputes continue, officials stress that violence against police will not be tolerated and that federal support for public safety will persist as the city works to restore calm.