Salem Satanic Temple Bombing Plot Thwarted In Michigan: Police

SALEM, MA — A Michigan man who police said was planning to bomb the Satanic Temple in Salem was arrested earlier this month after making a trip to Salem "possibly for planning purposes" in November.

Salem police said the Grant Police Department in Michigan charged Luke Isaac Terpstra, 30, with possession of bombs with unlawful intent on Jan. 2.

Police said there was no indication that Terpstra had local ties or was acting with any accomplices.

The Michigan State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation were involved in the arrest and the ongoing investigation.

"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," Salem Police Chief Lucas Miller said on Saturday. "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."

Miller said the city remains vigilant against the possibility of such attacks given its history and position as a tourist destination for some of its more eccentric attractions. He said an explosive ordinance detection K9 and additional armor in each cruiser, as well as relationships with the Joint Terrorist Task Force and Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, are ways the department tries to stay ahead of any safety threat.

"Regardless, an attack such as Terpstra was planning keeps us up at night," Miller said. "This is also why it is so important that if someone is a witness to suspicious activity or learns of threats, they contact the police department immediately.

"The city of Salem sincerely thanks the Grant Police Department and all of the state and federal law enforcement partners who helped thwart what could have been a nightmare in our city."

Miller said additional patrols have been set up for "sensitive locations" in the city.

"It is important that the people of Salem be aware of this arrest and its connection to our city," Miller said. "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."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)