FBI Announces Two National Security Arrests in Ohio

According to statements from Department of Justice officials and federal court records, both suspects are accused of planning attacks that were foiled by law enforcement.

• By Jessica Davis
• Dec 12, 2018

FBI officials announced Monday the arrests of two people who had allegedly been planning violent massacres in the Toledo, Ohio, area.

Authorities said the cases of a 21-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman are not connected. According to statements from Department of Justice officials and federal court records, both suspects are accused of planning attacks that were foiled by law enforcement.

The male suspect was taken into custody after collecting weapons he planned to use in an attack on area synagogues, during which he wanted to kill a rabbi, officials said. He allegedly told undercover agents he was an ISIS supporter, and he is charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz expressed his gratitude toward the law enforcement entities that worked to prevent “a potential catastrophe” in the city.

“We cannot tolerate hate directed toward people of Jewish faith, or of any other religion, and last month’s mass killing at a Pittsburgh synagogue is a reminder of just how real this threat is,” Kapszukiewicz said.

The female suspect is charged with one count of transportation of explosives and explosive material for the purpose of harming others. According to the FBI, she and an associate planned to commit a mass murder at a bar in Toledo, and she had weapons at her home. She was arrested after purchasing black powder and screws that she believes would be used for a pipe bomb.

“Through her words and actions, she demonstrated that she was committed to seeing death and destruction in order to advance hate,” said Justin Herdman, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “This case demonstrates terrorism comes in many guises and we will remain vigilant to protect all Americans.”