A Michigan man stands accused of a plot to bomb The Satanic Temple in Massachusetts, facing serious federal charges, according to authorities. Luke Isaac Terpstra, 30, of Grant, Michigan, was indicted on two counts: transporting an explosive with intent to harm and possessing an unregistered destructive device.
Terpstra, who was charged Tuesday, could be looking at a maximum of 10 years behind bars for each separate charge if convicted. U.S. Attorney Mark Totten in a statement, emphasized the gravity of the offenses, telling the Detroit News, "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."
According to the indictment, the charges stem from Terpstra's alleged actions back in September 2023, when he reportedly constructed several bombs and transported them, along with multiple firearms and ammunition, from Michigan to the site of The Satanic Temple in Salem. Additional details provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office detailed that Terpstra had admitted in December to possessing the bombs with the intention of demolishing the temple.
Investigators later found materials in Terpstra's possession that could be used to make improvised explosive devices, including a disturbing assembly of a plastic container with coins and a piece of cannon fuse, CO2 cartridges, PVC pipe, ammonia nitrate, and hobby fuses, reported UpNorthLive. The findings in January coincided with his arrest and the subsequent federal indictment.
Fines accompanying such convictions could reach $250,000 for each charge, and Terpstra would also face the responsibility of paying restitution to any victims. Also significant is this is not an isolated incident with The Satanic Temple as a target, revealing an unsettling trend of threats against the religious organization. Just last month, another individual from Oklahoma was arrested for throwing a pipe bomb at the temple's Massachusetts headquarters, as 13 ON YOUR SIDE reported.
No attorney for Terpstra was listed in court documents, and details surrounding his court dates or potential pleas have yet to be released.
