GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — Luke Isaac Terpstra, a 30-year-old resident of Grant, Michigan, has been charged with transporting an explosive with the intent to kill, injure, or intimidate individuals or to unlawfully damage or destroy a building. Terpstra also faces a separate charge that he illegally possessed a destructive device.
The indictment alleges that in September 2023, Terpstra built several devices he characterized as “bombs” and then transported those devices, along with multiple firearms and ammunition, from Michigan to The Satanic Temple (TST) in Massachusetts. The charges announced today demonstrate my office’s continued commitment to protecting our citizens from dangerous threats,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Building explosive devices and transporting them with the intent to injure civilians and damage property puts us all at risk and those who commit such crimes will be held accountable.”
The indictment further alleges that, in December 2023, Terpstra stated to others that he possessed the “bombs” because he wanted to “blow up” TST. As recently as January 2024, Terpstra was found in possession of items that can be used to make improvised explosive devices, including a plastic container with coins attached to it and a piece of cannon fuse coming out of the lid; numerous metal carbon dioxide (CO2) cartridges; PVC pipe; ammonium nitrate; and hobby fuses.
If convicted, Terpstra faces a maximum 10-year term in prison on each charge and a fine of up to $250,000. He will also be required to pay restitution to any victims of his alleged crimes.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Grant Police Department, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and Michigan State Police are investigating the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Carowan with the assistance of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
“Today’s indictment is a sobering reminder of the threats we face as a society and a true testament to the FBI’s mission of protecting the American people,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “We stand united with our partners to combat all forms of violence and will take all necessary measures to ensure the public’s safety.”
Related Federal Cases
- Michigan Man Gets 3 Years for Bomb Plot Against Satanic Temple · Massachusetts
- Mass Man Admits Threatening AZ Election Official With Bomb · Massachusetts
- Harvard Bomb Plot: Two Men Arrested in Campus Explosion · Massachusetts
- Harvard Bomb Plot: Two Men Arrested After Lab Explosion · Massachusetts
- Michigan Man Indicted for $1M Northampton Construction Company Heist · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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