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Two Californian men are accused of plotting to attack the Democratic state headquarters, in hopes that a bombing of the building and other targets would spur a movement to overthrow the government, federal prosecutors said Thursday.
Ian Benjamin Rogers, 45, of Napa, and Jarrod Copeland, 37, of Vallejo, used messaging apps to discuss plans to attack Democrats-associated targets after the 2020 presidential election, the ministry said of Justice. Their first target was John L. Burton’s Democratic headquarters in Sacramento.
“I want to blow up a Democratic building,” Rogers wrote, according to the indictment unsealed Thursday in federal court in San Francisco.
Copeland responded, “I agree” and “Plan an attack,” the indictment reads.
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California Democratic Party headquarters John L. Burton is seen in Sacramento, Calif., On Friday. Two Californian men have been charged with plotting to blow up Democratic Party headquarters, a bombing they hoped was the first in a series of politically motivated attacks, federal prosecutors have said. (AP Photo / Rich Pedroncelli)
Copeland was arrested on Wednesday and appeared in court on Thursday. Rogers has been in custody since January 15.
The two face a plot to destroy a building affecting interstate commerce and other crimes, prosecutors said. Rogers faces additional weapons charges and Copeland faces charges of alleged destruction of records.
In December 2020, Copeland told Rogers he had contacted an anti-government militia to gain support for their movement, court documents show. In one exchange, Rogers reportedly wrote “after the 20th we go to war”, referring to the incitement to violence following the inauguration of President Joe Biden on January 20.
Law enforcement officers raided Rogers’ home on January 15 and seized 45 to 50 firearms, thousands of cartridges and five homemade bombs, prosecutors said. Copeland attempted to destroy evidence of their plan, according to the Justice Department.
The leader of a militia reportedly advised him to switch to a new communications platform and remove everything he owned. When law enforcement got his electronic devices on January 17, all of his communications with Rogers were missing.
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Rusty Hicks, chairman of the California Democratic Party, said the alleged conspiracy would not deter the party from “the important job of protecting and preserving a democracy that works for everyone who lives in California.”
“We are relieved to know that the plot has not been successful, that those suspected of being responsible are in custody and that our staff and volunteers are safe and sound,” Hicks said. “Yet it points to a broader problem of violent extremism that is far too common in political discourse today. And, while we will continue to take all necessary precautions to keep everyone safe, we will not. will not be distracted. We will not be discouraged. “
Copeland is scheduled to appear in court on July 20 for a detention hearing. Rogers will appear in court on July 30 for a status hearing, prosecutors said. They each face up to 20 years in prison.
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