Pennsylvania man, 21, arrested over ISIS-inspired attack plot in Butler County

Jonathan Hunter Kramer of Valencia, Pa., faces federal charges after allegedly acquiring a rifle, magazines, and 190 rounds of ammunition for a planned ISIS-inspired attack.

Butler County man charged after FBI seizes rifle, 190 rounds and 30 knives

A 21-year-old man from Valencia, Pennsylvania, has been charged federally after allegedly acquiring a rifle and ammunition in preparation for an ISIS-inspired attack, foxbaltimore.com reports.

Jonathan Hunter Kramer of Butler County was arrested on 12 September when FBI agents approached him outside a hotel in Cranberry Township. He faces a charge of receiving a firearm and ammunition while knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, it would be used to commit a felony or a federal terrorism offence, according to a criminal complaint filed in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Investigators said Kramer had returned to the hotel carrying three 30-round rifle magazines and five boxes of rifle ammunition. A subsequent search of Kramer, his hotel room and his residence led agents to seize a semiautomatic rifle, five rifle magazines, 190 rounds of ammunition, a scope and bipod, pepper spray and approximately 30 knives.

FBI surveillance on the day of the arrest observed Kramer leave his home, purchase a disposable phone, meet an individual in a parking lot and take possession of a long black bag from a vehicle. He then checked into the Cranberry Township hotel, paying in cash, before visiting a local sporting goods store, according to the complaint.

The FBI said it had reopened its investigation into Kramer in March after receiving an online tip that he had resumed concerning behaviour following release from a Pennsylvania juvenile detention facility. Authorities alleged he operated under the online alias "Hamza Al Rashid," claimed affiliation with ISIS, discussed explosive manuals and stated he was preparing for a "mission" but lacked a weapon at the time.

Kramer had previously been adjudicated delinquent as a minor in Pennsylvania in connection with an alleged mass-casualty plot and possession of child sexual abuse material, according to the affidavit.

He made his initial court appearance on Monday. Prosecutors have requested he remain detained without bond, arguing he poses a danger to the community.

A criminal complaint constitutes an accusation only; Kramer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Source: Google News MT