Who is Ian Rogers? California Trump fan hoarded pipe bombs at business, wanted to go to war after ex-POTUS' loss
NAPA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: Ian Benjamin Rogers, 43, was arrested on January 15, 2021, following a raid at his workplace and has been charged with the possession of unregistered destructive devices. According to latest reports, Rogers, who was a Donald Trump supporter, was upset over the former president's loss in the elections and wanted to take the law in his own hand. Law enforcement officers say they discovered pipe bombs at Rogers' business.
Rogers, who owns an auto repair shop, British Auto Repairs, in Napa Valley, has been charged with the possession of five pipe bombs after allegedly threatening to go to "war" after Trump lost the 2020 election to President Joe Biden. The US Attorney for the Northern District of California announced on Wednesday, January 27 that Rogers has been charged.
During his arrest, officers discovered a gun safe at his business, which allegedly contained the aforementioned pipe bombs, black powder, pipes, and endcaps — instruments that could be used to build the destructive devices. They also found guns and manuals explaining the construction of explosives, including 'The Anarchist Cookbook', the 'U.S. Army Improvised Munitions Handbook', and 'Homemade C-4 A Recipe for Survival'. Police also seized thousands of rounds of ammunition as well as at least 49 guns at Rogers' business and home.
While officials say Rogers claims that the bombs were for entertainment, text messages allegedly showed that he wanted to harm Democrats and that he would "go to war" if Trump left the White House. "We can attack Twitter or the democrats you pick," Rogers wrote in a text message, according to Law & Crime, adding, "I think we can attack either easily". Another text message said, "I want to blow up a democrat building bad."
US Attorney David Anderson said, "we allege that Ian Benjamin Rogers possessed homemade pipe bombs and the materials to make more. We will prosecute illegal weapons stockpiles regardless of the motivation of the offender." The Napa Valley Register reports the Napa County District Attorney's Office filed 28 felony charges against Rogers last week for possessing illegal firearms and bombs.
According to reports, Rogers will enter a plea in the case of those charges on January 29, while trying to have his bail amount reduced. "He has for 15 years been a very well-respected small business owner, father, and family man. He has been a positive, contributing member of the Napa community," defense attorney Jess Raphael said. Rogers is currently in government custody in lieu of $5 million bail. But if convicted for possession of the pipe bombs, Rogers faces a maximum of 10 years in jail and a $250,000 fine. He could also face 30 years in state prison for the Napa County DA's charges.
Authorities have also gathered evidence to prove that Rogers was a thorough Donald Trump fan. He was also in possession of a 'White Privilege Card,' which references Trump numerous times — it says 'Trumps Everything' with the number of '0045' repeated four times like on a credit card number. It also lists the cardholder as being a member since birth and until death. His vehicle also had a sticker promoting the 'Three Percenters' militia group, who espouse anti-government and pro-gun beliefs.