Two California men were so hooked by The Big Lie, that they amassed an arsenal and planned to blow up the Democratic headquarters in Sacramento, California (watch above). Ultimately, their goal was to overthrow the government. Instead, they’re in federal custody.
According to court documents, Ian Benjamin Rogers, 45, sent Jarrod Copeland, 37, text messages expressing his belief “that Donald Trump won the 2020 presidential election, and his intent to attack Democrats and places associated with Democrats in an effort to ensure Trump remained in office.”
“I want to blow up a democrat building bad,” Rogers said. Copeland responded: “Plan attack.”
NEW: Court unseals case against two California men accused of plotting to firebomb Democratic Party headquarters in Sacramento, CA. Feds allege men contacted anti-govt militia group for support, set Inauguration Day in Jan as timetable, one texting “after the 20th we go to war”
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) July 16, 2021
On another occasion, Rogers asked “Do you think something is wrong with me how I’m excited to attack the Democrats?” He expressed a desire to “hit the enemy in the mouth” by bombing Democratic headquarters after Joe Biden’s inauguration. Prosecutors allege he also mused about attacking the California governor’s mansion.
Rogers was arrested in mid-January. Authorities seized five pipe bombs, nearly 50 guns, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
ALERT: Feds say they've seized FIVE PIPE BOMBS and 47 firearms from California man accused of threatening to blow up a Democratic party office, Twitter and California Governor office. *Four days after US Capitol insurrection* Man allegedly believes Trump should remain President pic.twitter.com/UwXjP54P3W
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) January 27, 2021
Copeland claimed to be in contact with an anti-government militia group that could help plan the attack. He was arrested this week. Both men were recently indicted by a grand jury. NBC News explains:
The Justice Department said that if convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy charge. Rogers also faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for the weapons charge and Copeland faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for a destruction of evidence charge.
The DOJ says the terror plot was “specific, detailed and serious.”
“We are relieved to know the plot was unsuccessful, the individuals believed to be responsible are in custody, and our staff and volunteers are safe and sound,” said Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, in a statement. “Yet, it points to a broader issue of violent extremism that is far too common in today’s political discourse.”
