Blackfoot man accused of terrorism, creating bombs in his home
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BLACKFOOT — The Bingham County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Blackfoot man it says is a threat to the community and specific religious groups.
Matthew Burgett, 24, was arrested Thursday, Sept. 24, and has been charged with six counts of unlawful possession of bombs or destructive devices. He was also charged with one count of a terrorist act, the sheriff’s office announced Friday, Sept. 25.
Bingham County Sheriff Craig Rowland said Burgett took issue with all religions, but Rowland would not elaborate on whether Burgett had any specific plans to commit a terrorist act against a religious group.
“We are still investigating and trying to piece this together,” Rowland told EastIdahoNews.com on Friday.
On Thursday, a combined Blackfoot/Bingham County detective unit with assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement began investigating Burgett. He was served a search warrant at his home on the 1200 block of South Meridian Street in Blackfoot. Authorities found multiple explosive devices and weapons.
The Idaho Falls Police Department Bomb Squad handled the explosive devices to ensure the safety of the community, according to the news release.
Rowland said the investigation is ongoing, and more details will be released next week.
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