SALEM — A Michigan man has been charged with planning to bomb the Satanic Temple in Salem.
Salem police announced on Saturday that Luke Isaac Terpstra, 30, of Grant, Michigan, was arrested on Jan. 2, after an investigation by the Grant Police Department in Michigan. He was arrested and charged with possession of explosives (bombs) with unlawful intent.
Police said Terpstra traveled to Salem at some point in November, possibly for planning purposes. According to Michigan law enforcement, his intention was to target the Satanic Temple in Salem.
The Michigan State Police and the FBI are both actively involved in the ongoing investigation, a news release indicated. There is no indication that Terpstra had local allies in Salem or that he acted with any accomplices, police said.
“The city of Salem and the Salem Police Department recognize that it is frightening and concerning that there are individuals who would threaten or carry out violent attacks against others based on their beliefs and that we are a target,” the statement said.
“On the one hand, it is gratifying that our federal and local partners were able to thwart Terpstra. On the other, it is terrifying that he walked in our midst planning such violence.”
Salem police said such cases illustrate the reason they have a presence on the Joint Terrorist Task Force, maintain an explosive ordinance detection K9, participate with agencies in the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, train officers for such an attack, and carry additional armor in patrol cars.
The statement also stressed the importance of the public immediately alerting the Police Department to any suspicious activity they witness or if they learn of threats.
“Salem is a diverse, vibrant, and welcoming community and the city and the Police Department of Salem are committed to ensuring the safety of all who live in, work in, or visit our community,” the statement said.