FBI Says It Disrupted Imminent ISIS-Inspired Mass Attack Near Pittsburgh

The FBI says it arrested a 21-year-old Pennsylvania man as he made final preparations for an ISIS-inspired mass shooting, three years after he was involved in a separate planned mass-casualty attack as a juvenile.

Jonathan Hunter Kramer, of Valencia, Pennsylvania, was arrested on September 12 after federal agents tracked him to a hotel near Pittsburgh.

Agents recovered a semiautomatic rifle, five rifle magazines, approximately 190 rounds of ammunition, a scope and bipod, pepper spray and around 30 knives, according to the US Justice Department.

Kramer has been charged with receiving a firearm and ammunition with the intent to commit terrorism. The allegations against him have not been proven in court.

Authorities have not identified a specific target for the alleged attack.

Previous mass-casualty case

Kramer was already known to federal authorities.

According to the Justice Department, he was previously adjudicated delinquent as a juvenile in 2023 for conduct involving a planned mass-casualty incident.

He was later released from juvenile detention.

The FBI began investigating him again after receiving an anonymous tip in March this year.

Investigators allege Kramer subsequently operated online under the name “Hamza Al Rashid”, claimed affiliation with ISIS and offered other users manuals containing instructions for making explosives.

The government also alleges that he recorded a pledge of allegiance to ISIS and discussed preparations for a “mission”.

In one exchange cited by investigators, Kramer allegedly indicated that he still needed to obtain a weapon.

FBI followed final preparations

Agents monitoring Kramer on September 12 saw him buy a disposable phone before meeting someone in a parking lot and obtaining a long black bag.

He then checked into a hotel using cash.

Investigators say Kramer later travelled to a sporting-goods store and purchased magazines and ammunition before returning to the hotel, where he was arrested.

The FBI says the evidence indicated that an attack was imminent.

The case also raises questions about what happened after Kramer’s earlier involvement in a mass-casualty plot.

According to the federal allegations, a young man who had already passed through the juvenile justice system over planned mass violence subsequently adopted an ISIS identity online, pledged allegiance to the organisation and began acquiring the equipment investigators say was intended for another attack.

The investigation that ultimately led agents back to him began with an anonymous tip from a member of the public.

Kramer remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Sources

• US Department of Justice – Jonathan Hunter Kramer terrorism charge
• CBS Pittsburgh – FBI allegations and investigation