Pennsylvania man charged in alleged ISIS-inspired attack plot

Federal agents arrested a 21-year-old Pennsylvania man accused of acquiring a semiautomatic rifle and discussing mass-casualty attack methods in support of ISIS, authorities said, describing the case as an “imminent threat of violence inspired by ISIS.”

Jonathan Hunter Kramer, of Valencia, was charged Tuesday 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 a federal crime of terrorism. He was arrested outside a hotel in Cranberry Township, about 25 miles north of Pittsburgh, after an FBI investigation that U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti described as covert.

Federal officials did not identify a specific target or say when an alleged attack might have taken place. But they said Kramer had armed himself to carry out a mass-casualty attack after pledging allegiance to the Islamic State.

“This defendant made repeated attempts to encourage and coordinate violence through encrypted platforms such as advising others on attack methods, discussing chemical poisons, vehicle attacks, drone delivery explosives and firearms-based assaults,” Richard Evanchec, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, said at a news conference.

According to court documents cited by NBC News, prosecutors allege Kramer used the Telegram username @ShootIntoACrowd and “posted threatening statements alluding to an unidentified act to occur within three months as well as documents on how to make explosives, C4, and car bombs.” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement that Kramer was “allegedly plotting a violent attack in support of ISIS — engaging with ISIS propaganda online, building attack concepts, and repeatedly expressing extremist rhetoric — all while acquiring weapons believed to be in preparation of the attack.”

During the hotel search, investigators seized a Panther Arms semiautomatic rifle, more than 150 rounds of ammunition, two loaded rifle magazines, a rifle bipod and scope, a prayer rug and pepper spray, among other items, according to the complaint cited by NBC News. His phone was inside two Faraday bags, which block signals, and he had a burner phone, the complaint says. Investigators said Kramer remarked during the search that he was “f–ked.”

At his parents’ home, agents found 30 knives and an undated note that read: “DoNt look For me[.] IDK what I did buT I cant live In constant Fear[.]” CBS News reported that searches of the hotel room and home also turned up loaded magazines, a rifle scope, boxes of ammunition and social media correspondence that investigators said indicated an attack was being planned.

The complaint says Kramer had been on the Justice Department’s radar since 2023 because of activity in a Telegram chat room where he allegedly discussed plans to carry out an attack and received pornographic images and videos from a minor. NBC News reported that an FBI search in April 2023 found a laptop containing a recording of Kramer reciting a pledge of allegiance to ISIS. After his release from juvenile detention, a probation officer told the FBI he had possessed a black banner that agents believed was an ISIS flag, according to the complaint.

Investigators also described alleged online planning under the alias “Hamza Al Rashid,” including discussions of violence against “Kuffar,” a reference to non-Muslims, and methods involving fire, poisonings, large trucks and firearms. One alleged document said “good areas to target” included “nightclubs, theaters, concerts, and apartment buildings/hotels and schools with low security,” according to the complaint.

Rivetti thanked the person who first reported Kramer’s “dangerous and troubling behavior” and others who spoke with law enforcement. “We hope this prosecution serves as a stark reminder to everyone of the importance of vigilance,” he said.

A magistrate judge ordered Kramer detained at his initial appearance Monday, NBC News reported. CBS News reported that Kramer waived his right to a detention hearing and requested a preliminary examination hearing scheduled for Wednesday. A public defender assigned to the case did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment.