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Former Navy SEAL convicted for trying to harm police with explosives during California ‘No Kings’ protests

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Former Navy SEAL convicted for trying to harm police with explosives during California ‘No Kings’ protests

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A former U.S. Navy SEAL was convicted by a federal jury on Friday of transporting explosives with the intent to harm law enforcement officers during planned “No Kings Day” protests in California, prosecutors announced.

The Department of Justice said Gregory Vandenberg, 49, was convicted of transportation of explosives with intent to kill, injure or intimidate and attempted transportation of prohibited fireworks into California after a five-day jury trial and roughly three hours of deliberation.

Prosecutors said Vandenberg was traveling from El Paso, Texas, to San Diego, California, to attend the “No Kings Day” protests in June 2025 when he stopped in New Mexico to purchase six large mortar fireworks. 

“During this visit, he told the store clerk that he intended to throw fireworks at police officers at the upcoming protests. He asked detailed questions about the amount of gunpowder in the fireworks, their explosive impact, and their ability to harm others,” the DOJ said.

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SUSPECTED SUBURBAN JIHADISTS SHARED ISIS-STYLE SELFIES AND JOKED ABOUT FBI READING GROUP CHAT: FEDS

Courtroom sketch shows the sentencing phase for the former Navy SEAL convicted in the No Kings protest plot. (United States Attorney’s Office District of New Mexico)

Store employees became alarmed after Vandenberg repeatedly spoke about throwing fireworks at police and asked whether the store was going to track him, prompting them to record his license plate and contact law enforcement.

He was arrested in Arizona where federal agents discovered clothing displaying antisemitic, anti-Israel, and extremist symbols, including a t-shirt with an image of the Al-Qaeda flag.

A review of his phone also uncovered messages indicating Vandenberg harbored anger toward the U.S. government, including President Donald Trump, driven by his belief that the government was controlled by Israel and Jews.

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Federal agents stand by evidence after a jury found the ex-SEAL guilty of trying to harm law enforcement with explosives. (United States Attorney’s Office District of New Mexico)

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT TODAY’S ‘NO KINGS’ ANTI-TRUMP RALLIES ACROSS US 

“People in this country are free to hold their own beliefs and to express them peacefully,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “What they are not free to do is use explosives to threaten or terrorize others. Vandenberg intended to turn explosives into a tool of intimidation, and this verdict sends the message that attempts to substitute violence for expressing one’s opinion has no place in our communities and will be met with federal consequences.”

Law enforcement officials at the No Kings protest reveal explosive materials linked to the former Navy SEAL suspect. (United States Attorney’s Office District of New Mexico)

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The DOJ said the court ordered that Vandenberg remain in custody pending sentencing following the verdict, which hasn’t yet been scheduled. 

He faces 10 years in prison.

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Los Angeles, Ca

Southern California hits hottest day of its extreme heat warning

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Southern California hits hottest day of its extreme heat warning

Southern California remains under an extreme heat warning as residents brace for the hottest day of the week on Wednesday.

“It will be roasty toasty in the valleys, lower mountain elevations and far interior, with highs ranging from 100 to 110 degrees,” the National Weather Service said. The warmest conditions are expected in the western San Fernando Valley.

An extreme heat warning remains in effect for much of Southern California until 8 p.m. Thursday. Forecasters say there is a high risk of heat-related illness for anyone outdoors for extended periods. Heat advisories are also in place for areas along the coast.

“Highs for today: 98 in Ojai, 100 in Ontario. Temecula, good morning to you, 100 degrees expected there. 112 in Palm Springs. Unbelievably hot,” KTLA’s Kirk Hawkins said Wednesday morning.

Southern California will be under an extreme heat warning from July 14-16, 2026. (National Weather Service)

Residents are urged to adjust their afternoon plans to limit strenuous outdoor activities during the heat of the day, stay hydrated and check in on elderly neighbors and loved ones.

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The Weather Service said record highs are slightly warmer than those forecast for Wednesday. As a result, despite the extremely hot conditions, few, if any, temperature records are expected to be broken.

A few degrees of cooling are expected Thursday, but a more significant cooldown will arrive Friday as onshore winds increase.

Afternoon highs are expected to cool even more over the weekend, with below-average temperatures possible in some areas.

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Los Angeles, Ca

Stabbing at Chino Hills liquor store ends in attempted murder arrest

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Stabbing at Chino Hills liquor store ends in attempted murder arrest

A Chino Hills man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a violent incident at a local liquor store, authorities announced Tuesday.

The July 13 incident occurred around 5 p.m. in the 4000 block of Descanso Avenue, according to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, which responded to reports of a stabbing at the location.

Arriving deputies found a stabbing victim inside the store and rendered medical aid until personnel with the Chino Valley Fire District arrived. The victim was transported to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, where he remains in stable condition.

While being treated at the scene, investigators said the victim repeatedly stated that someone named Alex was responsible for the attack.

A 30-year-old man was arrested after stabbing inside a liquor store in the 4000 block of Descanso Avenue on July 13, 2026. (Google)

The suspect, now identified as Hayden Alexander Marquez, 30, was located not far from the liquor store and taken into custody, sheriff’s officials said.

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Investigators did not provide a motive for the stabbing or detail the relationship between the two men.

Marquez was booked into the West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of attempted murder.

Anyone with information about the investigation is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Station at 909-364-2000. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip hotline at 800-78-CRIME or submit tips online at www.wetip.com.

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Los Angeles, Ca

Big rig crash spills cinder blocks on 101 Freeway; lanes blocked in Tarzana

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Big rig crash spills cinder blocks on 101 Freeway; lanes blocked in Tarzana

An early morning crash involving a big rig scattered cinder blocks across the northbound 101 Freeway, prompting a SigAlert in the San Fernando Valley Tuesday. The incident was reported around 4:10 a.m. when a big rig overturned on the freeway at Tampa Avenue. The crash occurred on a stretch of the northbound 101 that curves […]

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