Feds say Michigan man made homemade 'bombs,' had plot to bomb Satanic Temple in Massachusetts

(WWJ) — A West Michigan man has been indicted for allegedly making bombs with the intent of using them to “blow up” The Satanic Temple in Massachusetts.

Luke Terpstra of Grant — about 30 miles north of Grand Rapids — was charged with transporting an explosive with the intent to kill, injure, or intimidate individuals or to unlawfully damage or destroy a building, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten’s office announced Wednesday.

Terpstra, 30, also faces a separate charge that he illegally possessed a destructive device.

The indictment alleges that Terpstra built several devices that he characterized as “bombs” and then transported them, along with multiple guns and ammo, from Michigan to the site of The Satanic Temple in Salem, Massachusetts last September, according to Totten’s office.

The indictment also alleges that in December 2023 Terpstra told others that he had the so-called bombs because he “wanted to ‘blow up’ TST, officials said.

As recently as this January, the attorney’s office says Terpstra was “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 prison term 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.

“Today's indictment is a sobering reminder of the threats we face as a society and a true testament to the FBI's mission of protecting the American people,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan.

CBS News in Boston reported that Terpstra traveled to Salem to “survey the temple.” The outlet also reported a different man tried to set fire to the temple in 2022.

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