San Diego, January 14, 2026
A former Navy SEAL, Gregory Vandenberg, has been convicted for transporting explosives intended for law enforcement harm during the ‘No Kings’ protest in San Diego. His actions, informed by extremist beliefs, highlighted a potential for violence during demonstrations. California is also legislating against federal overreach, reflecting tensions in law enforcement accountability.
San Diego, California – Former Navy SEAL Convicted of Planning Attack During ‘No Kings’ Protest
San Diego, California – A former Navy SEAL has been convicted of transporting explosives with the intent to harm law enforcement officers during the “No Kings” protest in San Diego. The trial revealed that Gregory Vandenberg, who held neo-Nazi and anti-Semitic beliefs, planned to use the explosives against police during the June 14, 2025, rally. He now faces up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing pending.
Details of the Conviction
Gregory Vandenberg, a former Navy SEAL, was convicted of transporting fireworks across state lines with plans to use them against law enforcement officers during the “No Kings” protest in San Diego. The trial, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, presented evidence of Vandenberg’s extremist affiliations, including anti-Israel slogans and a Taliban flag. He had traveled from El Paso, Texas, to California, purchasing fireworks and large firecrackers along the way. Vandenberg was arrested at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona on June 13, 2025. The jury found him guilty of transporting explosives with intent to kill, injure, or intimidate, and attempting to bring prohibited fireworks into California. The acting U.S. Attorney emphasized the right to free speech but condemned the use of violence.
Background on the ‘No Kings’ Protest
The “No Kings” protest was a series of demonstrations held in October 2025 across various cities in California, including San Diego. The protests were organized in response to perceived overreach by federal authorities and aimed to advocate for civil liberties and hold government officials accountable for constitutional violations. The San Diego rally on June 14, 2025, was one of the significant events in this series. The conviction of Vandenberg highlights the potential for violence associated with such demonstrations and underscores the importance of ensuring public safety during large-scale events.
Legislative Response to Federal Overreach
In response to concerns about federal overreach, California lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at holding federal, state, and local officials accountable for violating constitutional rights. Senate Bill 747, known as the “No Kings Act,” creates a right of action under California state law for violations of constitutional rights, allowing individuals to seek remedies for actions such as retaliation against free speech, unlawful searches or seizures, use of excessive force during arrests, and targeting individuals based on race, national origin, or political identity. This legislation seeks to address perceived gaps in federal law that shield agents from accountability following Supreme Court decisions narrowing the Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents framework.
Federal Government’s Legal Challenge
The federal government has filed a lawsuit against the state of California, challenging the constitutionality of the “No Kings Act.” The Department of Justice argues that the law violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which grants the federal government authority over its agents. The lawsuit contends that the law imposes undue restrictions on federal law enforcement operations and could endanger officers by exposing their identities. The outcome of this legal challenge will have significant implications for the balance of power between state and federal authorities concerning law enforcement practices.
Implications for Law Enforcement Practices
The conviction of Vandenberg and the subsequent legislative and legal actions underscore the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over law enforcement practices. The introduction of the “No Kings Act” reflects California’s efforts to assert state authority and protect constitutional rights within its jurisdiction. However, the federal government’s legal challenge highlights the complexities of federalism and the challenges in balancing state rights with federal authority. The resolution of these issues will likely influence future interactions between state and federal law enforcement agencies and the interpretation of constitutional protections.
Conclusion
The conviction of Gregory Vandenberg serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence associated with large-scale protests and the importance of maintaining public safety. The legislative and legal actions taken by California and the federal government reflect the ongoing debate over the balance of power in law enforcement and the protection of constitutional rights. As these issues continue to evolve, it is crucial for all parties to engage in constructive dialogue to ensure that the rights of individuals are upheld while maintaining public order and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Gregory Vandenberg convicted of?
Gregory Vandenberg, a former Navy SEAL, was convicted of transporting explosives with the intent to harm law enforcement officers during the “No Kings” protest in San Diego on June 14, 2025. He now faces up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing pending.
What is the “No Kings” protest?
The “No Kings” protest was a series of demonstrations held in October 2025 across various cities in California, including San Diego. The protests were organized in response to perceived overreach by federal authorities and aimed to advocate for civil liberties and hold government officials accountable for constitutional violations.
What is the “No Kings Act”?
The “No Kings Act,” officially known as Senate Bill 747, is legislation introduced in California that creates a right of action under state law for violations of constitutional rights. It allows individuals to seek remedies for actions such as retaliation against free speech, unlawful searches or seizures, use of excessive force during arrests, and targeting individuals based on race, national origin, or political identity.
What is the federal government’s response to the “No Kings Act”?
The federal government has filed a lawsuit against the state of California, challenging the constitutionality of the “No Kings Act.” The Department of Justice argues that the law violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which grants the federal government authority over its agents. The lawsuit contends that the law imposes undue restrictions on federal law enforcement operations and could endanger officers by exposing their identities.
What are the implications of these events for law enforcement practices?
The conviction of Vandenberg and the subsequent legislative and legal actions underscore the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over law enforcement practices. The introduction of the “No Kings Act” reflects California’s efforts to assert state authority and protect constitutional rights within its jurisdiction. However, the federal government’s legal challenge highlights the complexities of federalism and the challenges in balancing state rights with federal authority. The resolution of these issues will likely influence future interactions between state and federal law enforcement agencies and the interpretation of constitutional protections.
Key Features of the “No Kings Act”
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Right of Action | Allows individuals to seek remedies under California state law for violations of constitutional rights by federal, state, or local officials. |
| Scope of Violations | Covers actions such as retaliation against free speech, unlawful searches or seizures, use of excessive force during arrests, and targeting individuals based on race, national origin, or political identity. |
| Legislative Intent | Seeks to address perceived gaps in federal law that shield agents from accountability following Supreme Court decisions narrowing the Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents framework. |
| Federal Response | The federal government has filed a lawsuit against California, challenging the constitutionality of the “No Kings Act,” arguing it violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. |
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Former Navy SEAL Convicted for Explosive Plot Against Police
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
