Michigan man planned to bomb Satanic Temple in Salem, police say

Police in Massachusetts say a Michigan man is now in custody after he planned to bomb the Satanic Temple in Salem. Luke Isaac Terpstra, 30, of Grant, was arrested Jan. 2 and charged with explosives — possession of bombs with unlawful intent following an investigation by the Grant Police Department in Michigan, according to the Salem Police Department.

Salem police said they were told by Michigan law enforcement that Terpstra's intention was to target the Satanic Temple. In addition, Salem police said they learned that at some point in November, Terpstra had traveled to Salem — possibly for planning purposes. "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," reads a statement from the Salem Police Department.

"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 there is currently no indication that Terpstra had local allies in Salem, or that he acted with any accomplices.

Both the Michigan State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are actively involved in the ongoing investigation, according to Salem police..