A Pennsylvania man accused of plotting an ISIS attack was arrested with a rifle, five magazines and 190 rounds of ammunition, DOJ says.
A 21-year-old Pennsylvania man accused of plotting a violent attack in support of ISIS was arrested after FBI agents found him with a semiautomatic rifle, five magazines and 190 rounds of ammunition, federal prosecutors said.
Jonathan Hunter Kramer of Valencia, Pennsylvania, was taken into custody after investigators tracked his movements to a hotel in Cranberry Township, according to a federal criminal complaint. Authorities said Kramer had allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS and discussed preparing for a violent “mission.”
Pennsylvania man accused of ISIS attack plot
Federal prosecutors allege Kramer was using the online name “Hamza Al Rashid” and claimed an affiliation with ISIS.
Investigators said he had offered to distribute explosives manuals online and allegedly wrote about preparing for a mission while saying he still needed a weapon.
Kramer now faces a federal charge involving the receipt of a firearm and ammunition with knowledge or reasonable cause to believe they would be used in a federal crime of terrorism.
Authorities have not identified a specific target for the alleged attack.
FBI finds rifle and 190 rounds
The FBI’s investigation intensified after agents monitored Kramer’s movements on Friday.
According to the criminal complaint, investigators watched him leave his home carrying a bag before taking a rideshare to a store, where he purchased a disposable phone.
He later met another person and obtained a long black bag from a vehicle before traveling to a hotel.
Agents subsequently approached Kramer after he returned from a sporting goods store carrying two bags.
A search of Kramer, his hotel room and his home allegedly uncovered a semiautomatic rifle, five rifle magazines and 190 rounds of ammunition. Two of the magazines were loaded, while three could hold up to 30 rounds each.
Investigators say suspect had prior history
Federal authorities said Kramer had previously come to the attention of law enforcement.
In 2023, when he was a minor, Kramer was investigated and later adjudicated delinquent in Pennsylvania for his alleged role in a mass-casualty plot, according to the Justice Department’s account cited in the complaint.
Authorities also said he had been released from a juvenile detention facility before investigators received a new anonymous tip about his activities.
The tipster reportedly raised concerns about Kramer ordering suspicious packages and reconnecting with people he had known previously.
Online activity drew FBI attention
Investigators said Kramer’s online activity was a key part of the renewed investigation.
Under the alias “Hamza Al Rashid,” he allegedly expressed support for ISIS and offered to share explosives-related material.
Authorities said his communications suggested he was preparing for an attack but lacked a weapon.
The FBI then monitored his movements and tracked his acquisition of a firearm before intervening, according to the complaint.
Weapons and other items seized
In addition to the rifle, ammunition and magazines, investigators reportedly recovered several other items.
Authorities said searches turned up a rifle scope, a bipod, an entrenchment tool, pepper spray and approximately 30 knives.
A handwritten note was also recovered, although authorities have not indicated that it established a specific intended target.
The Justice Department has not publicly identified anyone or any location Kramer allegedly intended to attack.
Officials say alleged attack was stopped
Attorney General Todd Blanche credited federal investigators with disrupting the alleged plot before anyone was injured.
FBI Director Kash Patel said Kramer was allegedly preparing for a violent attack in support of ISIS, pointing to his online activity and the acquisition of weapons.
Officials emphasized that the investigation prevented what they described as a potential threat before an attack could occur.
Suspect held without bond
Kramer was booked into the Butler County Jail and appeared in federal court.
Prosecutors have asked that he remain detained without bond, arguing that he represents a danger to the community.
The case remains an allegation at this stage, and Kramer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The investigation is continuing as federal authorities examine the suspect’s online activity, contacts and alleged preparations for an ISIS-linked attack.
ISIS plot investigation continues
The arrest underscores the continuing focus of federal law enforcement on individuals suspected of becoming radicalized online and attempting to translate extremist support into real-world violence.
In Kramer’s case, prosecutors allege that online support for ISIS progressed into efforts to obtain weapons and prepare for a violent mission.
With no specific target publicly identified, investigators will now work to determine the full scope of the alleged plot and whether anyone else was involved.
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