By Brian Brant
(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) Two California men have been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection to a plot to blow up the state's Democratic Party headquarters building, according to NBC News.
Ian Benjamin Rogers, 45, and Jarrod Copeland, 37, are charged with conspiracy to destroy a building used in interstate commerce with fire or explosives, possession of machine guns and obstruction of justice.
Prosecutors allege the men were "specific, detailed and serious" in a plot to attack the John L. Burton Democratic Headquarters.
The pair were also planning to attack Democratic targets with incendiary devices and sought support from a militia group after the 2020 presidential election, according to the Department of Justice. The two men allegedly hoped their actions would spur a movement.
"Do you think something is wrong with me how I'm excited to attack the Democrats?" Rogers asked Copeland, per the government's detention memo.
Although Copeland said he did not take Rogers seriously, the DOJ said he was encouraged by Rogers, who was charged in January with having five pipe bombs.
Investigators also found materials that could have made explosives at his home, including black powder, pipes, end caps and manuals titled "The Anarchist Cookbook," the "U.S. Army Improvised Munitions Handbook" and "Homemade C-4: A Recipe for Survival."
NBC News reports around 50 guns were reportedly seized from Rogers’ home and business along with thousands of bullets. His car had a bumper sticker that is used by the right-winged, anti-government "Three-Percenters" group.
If convicted, the men could 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 would also a maximum of 10 years in prison for the weapons charge, while Copeland faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for a destruction of evidence charge.
“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.”