GRANT, Michigan — A Grant, Michigan man who told family he planned to use homemade bombs to blow up the Satanic Temple in Salem, Massachusetts is now facing a federal indictment.
A grand jury delivered the two-count indictment of transportation of an explosive with intent to kill, injure, or intimidate or to damage or destroy property, and possession of an unregistered destructive device.
The indictment accuses 30-year-old Luke Terpstra of building several devices that he characterized as “bombs” and then transporting those devices, along with multiple firearms and ammunition, from Michigan to the site of the Satanic Temple in Massachusetts in September 2023.
“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 told others that he possessed the “bombs” because he wanted to “blow up” the Satanic Temple.
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.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.
