A federal jury has found a former U.S. Navy SEAL guilty of transporting explosives with the intent to harm law enforcement officers during the “No Kings Day” protests in California. This verdict, announced by prosecutors on Friday, marks a significant development in the case against Gregory Vandenberg, 49.

The Department of Justice revealed that Vandenberg was convicted on charges of transporting explosives with the intent to kill, injure, or intimidate, as well as attempting to transport prohibited fireworks into California. The conviction came after a five-day jury trial, with jurors reaching their decision after approximately three hours of deliberation.

The case against Vandenberg arose when he was traveling from El Paso, Texas, to San Diego, California, in June 2025, with the purpose of attending the “No Kings Day” protests. During his journey, he stopped in New Mexico and purchased six large mortar fireworks.

According to prosecutors, Vandenberg openly discussed his intentions with a store clerk, stating that he planned to use the fireworks against police officers during the protests. He inquired about the gunpowder content of the fireworks, their explosive capabilities, and their potential to cause harm.

In the courtroom, sketches from the sentencing phase depict the proceedings against the former Navy SEAL, who has now been convicted for his role in the protest plot. The case highlights the serious legal consequences of attempting to bring explosives into a protest scenario, underlining the commitment of law enforcement to maintain public safety.

Store employees became alarmed after Vandenberg repeatedly spoke about throwing fireworks at police and asked whether the store was going to track him, prompting them to record his license plate and contact law enforcement.

He was arrested in Arizona where federal agents discovered clothing displaying antisemitic, anti-Israel, and extremist symbols, including a t-shirt with an image of the Al-Qaeda flag.

A review of his phone also uncovered messages indicating Vandenberg harbored anger toward the U.S. government, including President Donald Trump, driven by his belief that the government was controlled by Israel and Jews.

Federal agents stand by evidence after a jury found the ex-SEAL guilty of trying to harm law enforcement with explosives. (United States Attorney’s Office District of New Mexico)

“People in this country are free to hold their own beliefs and to express them peacefully,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “What they are not free to do is use explosives to threaten or terrorize others. Vandenberg intended to turn explosives into a tool of intimidation, and this verdict sends the message that attempts to substitute violence for expressing one’s opinion has no place in our communities and will be met with federal consequences.”

Law enforcement officials at the No Kings protest reveal explosive materials linked to the former Navy SEAL suspect. (United States Attorney’s Office District of New Mexico)

The DOJ said the court ordered that Vandenberg remain in custody pending sentencing following the verdict, which hasn’t yet been scheduled. 

He faces 10 years in prison.