FBI investigation thwarts "mass casualty attack" from man accused of ISIS allegiance
Federal officials said Jonathan Kramer had armed himself to carry out a mass casualty attack against the American people.
Federal law enforcement officials announced the arrest of a 21-year-old Pennsylvania man, Jonathan Kramer, who was allegedly planning a mass casualty attack in support of ISIS. Kramer was apprehended outside a hotel in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, located approximately 25 miles north of Pittsburgh. According to Richard Evanchec, special agent in charge of the FBI's Pittsburgh field office, Kramer had pledged allegiance to ISIS and was deemed to be an imminent threat of violence inspired by the group.
Evanchec revealed that Kramer had made repeated attempts to incite and coordinate violence through encrypted platforms, discussing methods for attacks, including chemical poisons, vehicle attacks, drone deliveries of explosives, and firearms-based assaults. Upon searching Kramer's hotel room and home, authorities discovered a semi-automatic rifle, loaded rifle magazines, a rifle scope, boxes of ammunition, 30 knives, and a note. The note warned people not to look for him, stating, "I can't live In constant Fear."
United States Attorney Troy Rivetti emphasized the covert nature of the FBI investigation, attributing Kramer's arrest to the cooperation of individuals who reported the defendant's concerning behavior. Rivetti thanked those who assisted law enforcement and stressed the importance of public vigilance in preventing such crimes. Kramer waived his right to a detention hearing but opted for a preliminary examination hearing, scheduled for the following day.
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