FBI investigation thwarts "mass casualty attack" from Pennsylvania man accused of pledging ISIS allegiance
A Pennsylvania man planned to carry out an ISIS-inspired "mass casualty attack" before an FBI investigation thwarted him, according to federal law enforcement officials.
Speaking at a press conference Tuesday, federal officials said Jonathan Kramer, 21, of Valencia, had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Syria. He was arrested Saturday outside of a hotel in Cranberry Township, around 25 miles north of Pittsburgh, with a rifle, ammunition and dozens of knives in his possession.
Suspect shared "radical ideology"
Richard Evanchec, special agent in charge for the FBI's Pittsburgh field office, called the planned attack an "imminent threat of violence inspired by ISIS."
"Let me be clear about this threat: Jonathan Kramer demonstrated a sustained devotion to the Islamic State of Syria," Evanchec said. "He recorded a pledge of allegiance to the same. Following that pledge, he made efforts to spread their propaganda and shared ways to kill all in the name of a foreign terrorist organization."
United States Attorney Troy Rivetti said it became clear that Kramer, a 2023 Mars Area High School graduate, was moving forward "with his radical ideology." But officials didn't elaborate on any specifics surrounding the alleged planned attack, including when or where it might have occurred.
Timeline of arrest
On the morning of Sept. 12, federal agents said they watched Kramer leave his home, carrying a backpack. He got into an Uber and went to a Walmart in Gibsonia. In the parking lot, they say he met another person and took something from the trunk — a long black bag that agents say could hold a rifle.
He then took an Uber to a hotel in Cranberry Township, where they said Kramer paid $450 in cash for a week. He then went to Dunham's Sports, where agents said they watched him at the firearms counter.
When he returned to the hotel, the FBI moved in and arrested him.
Investigators said a search of Kramer's hotel room and home led to the discovery of a semi-automatic rifle, loaded rifle magazines, a rifle scope and boxes of ammunition, along with 30 knives and a note. The note told people not to look for him, saying "I cant live In constant Fear," according to court paperwork. The FBI said he had roughly 190 rounds of ammunition.
The FBI said it also found social media correspondence that led investigators to believe an attack was being planned.
"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," Evanchec said.
Authorities thank public for help
Rivetti referred to the FBI investigation that led to Kramer's arrest as being "covert."
"We want to thank the individual who first reported this defendant's dangerous and troubling behavior, as well as the other individuals who agreed to speak to law enforcement this weekend," Rivetti said.
Rivetti said that the cooperation of the public in investigations is key for law enforcement to be able to "prevent horrific crimes from being committed in our community."
"We hope this prosecution serves as a stark reminder to everyone of the importance of vigilance," Rivetti said.
U.S. Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA), whose district includes Butler County, said in a statement that he commends the diligent work of the FBI and law enforcement for apprehending Kramer before he could potentially follow through with an alleged attack.
"This disgusting, hate-filled extremism has no place in our nation," Rep. Kelly said.
Kramer has been charged with one count of receipt or transfer of a firearm or ammunition knowing or having reasonable cause to believe such firearm or ammunition will be used to commit a felony or a federal crime of terrorism.
Officials said that Kramer waived his right to a detention hearing, but requested a preliminary examination hearing that is scheduled for Wednesday.
