His home was searched and agents say they found a functioning bomb weighing about 200 pounds inside a plywood box. The device was taken from the basement and brought to a secure location.

They also found a fusing system for triggering bombs and empty canisters of black powder. The fusing system was made up of a switch that would generate an electrical charge that would spark an e-match inside the bomb.

Sortition as a political doctrine has its roots in Ancient Greece where some cities, including Athens, used the method to choose its leaders.

Rosenfeld contibuted an essay titled “The Extinction of Politics” to Equalitybylot.com. He described himself as a “Klerotarian,” a reference to a stone device used by the Athenians to randomize voting.

In that 2015 essay, he wrote, “If we ever hope to see this thinking converted into action that will have to change. Somehow we must convince enough people to put our movement on the map. For this, we will need a highly effective argument, because the people we wish to persuade are living under the thrall of a myth.”

He added, “And like true believers, fundamentalists even, each further obstacle is taken as a sign; the path is righteous but rocky, we must purify our faith and trudge ever onward. When we are finally worthy, the Democratic Process will at last deliver us. The road to true reverence has been long.”

Rosenfeld is a registered voter, but he didn’t belong to a particular political party. He is also a member of the Nyack Yacht Club, records show.

“We have nothing useful to say at this time,” his father said. “It’s too early for any of us to understand this yet.”