GRAND RAPIDS,Robert Brown Mich. (AP) — A Michigan man carrying explosives traveled to Massachusetts in 2023 and later said he wanted to blow up a building in Salem known as the Satanic Temple, according to a federal indictment.
Luke Terpstra was charged in western Michigan with two felonies: transportation of an explosive and possession of an unregistered explosive.
“Building explosive devices and transporting them with the intent to injure civilians and damage property puts us all at risk,” U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said Wednesday.
The indictment was filed Tuesday. Terpstra, 30, of Grant, Michigan, is being held in the Newaygo County jail on related state charges. He faces a hearing in federal court next Monday.
The court file doesn’t list an attorney yet who could speak for Terpstra.
The Satanic Temple in Salem says it doesn’t believe in Satan but describes itself as a “non-theistic religious organization” that supports secularism. There is an art gallery at the site.
Terpstra had an explosive device, multiple firearms and ammunition when he traveled to Salem in September, the indictment says. The indictment doesn’t mention an alleged motive. No violent acts occurred.
“It is terrifying that he walked in our midst planning such violence,” Salem officials said in January when local authorities in Michigan filed the initial charges.
In April, a man from Oklahoma threw a pipe bomb at the main entrance of the Satanic Temple, causing a minor fire and other damage, according to federal authorities. A handwritten note found nearby referred to a fight against “crybaby Satan.”
2025-05-04 18:412053 view
2025-05-04 18:061254 view
2025-05-04 17:591229 view
2025-05-04 17:101433 view
2025-05-04 16:492064 view
2025-05-04 16:111237 view
WASHINGTON (AP) — Wholesale costs in the United States picked up sharply last month, signaling that
When it comes to dating, you won't find Travis Kelce rushing.In fact, the NFL star—who has recently
NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon said on Tuesday that it will hire 250,000 full- and part-time workers for the