An Oklahoma man was arrested Wednesday, accused of throwing a pipe bomb onto the porch of Satanic Temple headquarters in Salem, Massachusetts.
The bomb hit the porch at 4:14 a.m. on April 8, and an employee found the remains of the incendiary device as well as damage from the blast 12 hours later. Though part of the building’s exterior was marred, no one was injured.
Surveillance footage showed a man in a black jacket with black gloves, black pants, a tan-colored tactical vest and gloves walk toward the headquarters and throw the explosive. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts says Sean Palmer, 49, was that man.
He’s charged with one count of using fire or an explosive to cause damage to a building used in interstate or foreign commerce. If convicted, he faces five to 20 years in prison, three years of probation and a fine of up to $250,000.
A black Volvo sedan was also picked up by the surveillance footage. Mr. Palmer owns the car, the attorney’s office said. Prosecutors said Mr. Palmer bought a PVC pipe and end cap, presumably used to make the bomb, at an Oklahoma home improvement store on April 3.
The bomb contained nails and gunpowder, as well as a single human hair from which a DNA sample was taken. In addition to the remains of the bomb, the Satanic Temple staffer found a handwritten note.
The note said “ELOHIM,” a Hebrew name for God.