Federal authorities have arrested Dwayne A. Vandergrift and charged him with detonating an explosive device outside of a Gloucester City, New Jersey gym that is popular with the LGBTQ community.
Agents found “substantial quantities of bomb-making materials, numerous weapons, including an unregistered short-barreled rifle, several tactical vests outfitted with body armor and loaded 30-round ammunition magazines, and a marijuana grow operation containing approximately 85 marijuana plants” after executing a search warrant at his home, according to U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito.
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Vandergrift is shown on surveillance cameras placing the device in front of G-City Crossfit around 4 a.m. and running away. The bomb detonated, shattering the gym’s glass front door.
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The suspect’s digital history showed that he had “recently researched how to construct and utilize various explosive devices, including pipe and pressure cooker bombs,” Carpentino said.
While authorities haven’t released a motive for the crime, many in the local community believe it was because the gym has a pride flag hanging in front.
