A Pennsylvania man has been arrested after federal investigators allegedly uncovered preparations for an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack, including the acquisition of a semi-automatic rifle, ammunition and other equipment.
Jonathan Hunter Kramer, from Valencia in Butler County, was detained by FBI agents after returning to a hotel in Cranberry Township carrying three 30-round rifle magazines and five boxes of ammunition.
Agents later searched his room and seized a rifle, loaded magazines, a scope, a bipod and about 190 rounds of ammunition, according to court documents. They also found pepper spray, around 30 knives, an entrenchment tool, a prayer rug and a handwritten note.
Federal prosecutors have charged Kramer with 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 crime of terrorism.
FBI investigation into alleged ISIS plot
The FBI had been investigating Kramer since March, after receiving an anonymous online tip shortly after his release from a juvenile detention facility. The tip alleged that he had begun ordering suspicious packages and re-established contact with people from his past.
Kramer had previously been charged as a minor in Pennsylvania in connection with an alleged mass-casualty plot. Court filings also say he was adjudicated delinquent for possessing child sexual abuse material.
Investigators allege that Kramer used the online name “Hamza Al Rashid”, claimed to be associated with ISIS, shared bomb-making manuals and repeatedly expressed an intention to prepare for a “mission”. Authorities have not disclosed the specific target or location of the alleged attack.
On September 12, agents reportedly watched Kramer leave his home, buy a disposable mobile phone and collect a long black bag from a car in a car park. He then travelled to a hotel in Cranberry Township, paid in cash and later visited a sporting goods shop.
FBI agents approached him in the hotel car park as he returned with shopping bags. The criminal complaint alleges that the weapons and ammunition were obtained in preparation for an attack carried out in support of ISIS.
FBI Director Kash Patel said Kramer was “allegedly plotting a violent attack in support of ISIS”, adding that investigators believed he had been engaging with extremist propaganda online, developing attack concepts and acquiring weapons.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the investigation had prevented the alleged plan from progressing further. He said law enforcement partners had been working to protect the public as the United States marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Kramer appeared in federal court on September 14. Prosecutors have asked that he be held without bail before trial, arguing that he represents a danger to the community.
