A Pennsylvania man accused of preparing an ISIS-inspired attack has been arrested after investigators said they found weapons, ammunition and evidence of planned violence.
Jonathan Kramer, 21, of Valencia, was detained on Saturday outside a hotel in Cranberry Township, about 25 miles north of Pittsburgh. Federal officials said he had armed himself to carry out a mass-casualty attack after pledging allegiance to the Islamic State.
Richard Evanchec, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, described the alleged plot as an “imminent threat of violence inspired by ISIS”. Officials did not disclose where or when the attack was allegedly intended to take place.
FBI alleges plans for multiple forms of attack
Mr Evanchec said investigators believed Mr Kramer had repeatedly tried to encourage and coordinate violence through encrypted platforms.
He allegedly discussed attack methods including chemical poisons, vehicle attacks, explosives delivered by drones and assaults involving firearms, officials said.
A search of the hotel room and Mr Kramer’s home allegedly uncovered a semi-automatic rifle, loaded rifle magazines, a rifle scope and boxes of ammunition. Investigators also found 30 knives and a note telling people not to look for him, according to court documents.
The note included the words: “I cant live In constant Fear.” The FBI said social media correspondence also led investigators to believe an attack was being planned.
Troy Rivetti, the United States Attorney, said the investigation had been “covert”. He thanked the person who first reported Mr Kramer’s behaviour, along with others who spoke to law enforcement over the weekend.
Mr Rivetti said public co-operation was essential to helping police prevent serious crimes and urged vigilance.
Mr Kramer faces one count of receiving or transferring a firearm or ammunition while knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, it would be used to commit a felony or federal terrorism offence.
Officials said he had waived his right to a detention hearing but had requested a preliminary examination hearing, scheduled for Wednesday.
