Pennsylvania Man Arrested in Alleged ISIS-Inspired Terror Plot
18 hours ago
Federal authorities say they have disrupted an alleged ISIS-inspired terror plot with the arrest of a 21-year-old Pennsylvania man accused of obtaining a firearm and ammunition in preparation for a potential attack.
Jonathan Hunter Kramer of Valencia, Pennsylvania, was charged by federal criminal complaint with receiving a firearm and ammunition knowing or having reasonable cause to believe they would be used to commit a felony or federal crime of terrorism. Prosecutors allege the potential offenses included providing or attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization.
According to court documents, Kramer allegedly used the name “Hamza Al Rashid,” claimed an affiliation with ISIS, consumed extremist propaganda online and offered to share explosives manuals with others. Authorities say he also discussed preparing for a “mission” and indicated that he was missing a weapon.
The Justice Department says Kramer had previously come to the FBI’s attention. More recently, a tipster contacted federal authorities with concerns about his activities, prompting further investigation.
FBI agents conducting surveillance on Sept. 12 allegedly watched Kramer purchase a disposable phone, meet another person carrying a long black bag and rent a hotel room using cash. Investigators later observed him at the gun counter of a sporting goods store before approaching him in the parking lot.
Authorities say a subsequent search uncovered a semiautomatic rifle, five magazines, 190 rounds of rifle ammunition, a scope and other items.
FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators believe Kramer was preparing for a violent attack in support of ISIS. Attorney General Todd Blanche credited federal law enforcement with intervening before anyone was hurt.
Kramer has been charged by criminal complaint. The allegations against him have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Jonathan Hunter Kramer of Valencia, Pennsylvania, was charged by federal criminal complaint with receiving a firearm and ammunition knowing or having reasonable cause to believe they would be used to commit a felony or federal crime of terrorism. Prosecutors allege the potential offenses included providing or attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization.
According to court documents, Kramer allegedly used the name “Hamza Al Rashid,” claimed an affiliation with ISIS, consumed extremist propaganda online and offered to share explosives manuals with others. Authorities say he also discussed preparing for a “mission” and indicated that he was missing a weapon.
The Justice Department says Kramer had previously come to the FBI’s attention. More recently, a tipster contacted federal authorities with concerns about his activities, prompting further investigation.
FBI agents conducting surveillance on Sept. 12 allegedly watched Kramer purchase a disposable phone, meet another person carrying a long black bag and rent a hotel room using cash. Investigators later observed him at the gun counter of a sporting goods store before approaching him in the parking lot.
Authorities say a subsequent search uncovered a semiautomatic rifle, five magazines, 190 rounds of rifle ammunition, a scope and other items.
FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators believe Kramer was preparing for a violent attack in support of ISIS. Attorney General Todd Blanche credited federal law enforcement with intervening before anyone was hurt.
Kramer has been charged by criminal complaint. The allegations against him have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
