US: 2 arrested in plot to bomb Democratic HQ in California

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Two men have been taken into custody in relation to an alleged plot to bomb the Democratic headquarters in Sacramento, California, the US Justice Department announced on Friday.

Ian Benjamin Rogers, 45, of Napa, California and Jarrod Copeland, 37, of Vallejo, California allegedly began to plot to attack Democratic targets following former US President Donald Trump's loss in November's national elections. The duo also allegedly sought aid from an anti-government militia group, the department said in a statement.

Trump maintains, without evidence, that his electoral loss was due to sweeping voter fraud, a claim rejected by his former Justice Department and top Republican elections officials.

The ex-president has repeatedly and vocally maintained his position, and turned it into a rallying cry among his supporters who raided the US Capitol on Jan. 6 in a failed attempt to prevent President Joe Biden's inauguration.

Rogers and Copeland sought to attack a series of Democratic targets, beginning with the Sacramento headquarters, using bombs in the hopes that the attacks "would prompt a movement," the Justice Department said.

“I want to blow up a democrat building bad," Rogers told Copeland, according to their indictment.

Copeland allegedly replied “I agree” and said “Plan attack.”

“After the 20th we go to war,” said Rogers, in what prosecutors say was a reference to the date of Biden's inauguration.

The men each face multiple charges including conspiracy to destroy by fire or explosive a building used or in affecting interstate commerce. Rogers also faces charges of firearms violations with Copeland faces a charge of destruction of records for allegedly deleting communications with a militia leader.