Syrian man arrested on terrorism charges after allegedly planning attack on Christian church
PITTSBURGH PA June 23 2019
A 21-year-old Pittsburgh resident and Syrian refugee accused of planning an attack on a Christian church on the city’s North Side and providing resources to ISIS has been arrested.
Mustafa Mousab Alowemer, 21, was arrested Wednesday based on a federal complaint charging him with one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS, and two counts of distributing information relating to an explosive, destructive device or weapon of mass destruction in relation to a plan to attack a church.
He is due to appear in court on Friday.
Alowemer allegedly planned to bomb the Legacy International Worship Center using a weapon of mass destruction. The FBI said Alowemer thought he was plotting online and in person with fellow ISIS sympathizers, but they were actually undercover for the FBI.
When Legacy International Worship Center Pastor Michael Day received a call from the FBI, he was overwhelmed.
“I am grateful nothing did happen and I’m grateful that we are able to show that God covered us and protected us and that people are still alive, and that people are able to hug their children and loved ones,” Pastor Michael Day said.
According to the complaint, Alowemer was born in Daraa, Syria, and was admitted to the United States as a refugee on Aug. 1, 2016.
The complaint said he is a recent graduate of a Pittsburgh high school. Pittsburgh school records show a Mustafa Alowemer graduated from Brashear High School earlier this month. A Pittsburgh school spokesperson said education officials are cooperating with the FBI but declined further comment.
Alowemer caught the attention of investigators on social networks and encrypted messaging apps in April. He was allegedly expressing interest in jihad and offering to provide information on potential ISIS attack targets in Pittsburgh.
The FBI said Alowemer recently bought a number of items that could be used in making a bomb. He was seen on Sunday and Monday buying six boxes of nails for possible shrapnel.
Investigators said the explosives that Alowemer wanted to hide in a backpack and detonate by remote control would have likely killed many people in the surrounding North Side neighborhood, even if the church was empty. Investigators said he wanted to hide a second bomb, timed to go off just as Pittsburgh police and first responders arrived at the scene.
In the criminal complaint, Alowemer is quoted as saying, “After two hours, three hours when the police want to come — then when they’ve all come together. They’ll have to lock down the whole Pittsburgh.”
The complaint said that Alowemer wanted to leave an ISIS flag to claim credit and a sign saying, “We’ve arrived.”
FBI and police are searching a home in Northview Heights where the suspect is believed to have lived. Tap the video player above to watch Sky4 video from Northview Heights.
Alowemer faces a detention hearing in Pittsburgh federal court on Friday.
Pastor Michael Day said that he wants everyone to know that love will conquer hate and he will not be intimidated with God on his side.
“Feel safe. We are working right now as we speak to make sure that everybody feels safe, comforted and the peace is here,” Pastor Michael Day said.
“On behalf of the citizens of Pittsburgh I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their arrest today, and the daily investigative work they and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police do to protect us from acts of terrorism and hate.
“Today’s events are especially alarming due to the suspect’s alleged target of yet another place of worship in our city, like the Tree of Life synagogue, which should be peaceful places of refuge and reflection that are free of threats of violence.
“Pittsburgh has historically been a home for refugees and immigrants and will continue to be one. In debates over the refugee crisis the past several years, as people from around the world have sought to flee violence and misery and seek better lives for their families in the United States, I have always been consistent in our message: we welcome all refugees and immigrants, and we oppose hate against anyone in any form, and we also cooperate with law enforcement whenever legitimate and dangerous crimes are threatening us.
“Today, unfortunately, those threats come from everywhere. The record shows most terrorists attacking the United States are domestic, such as the man who murdered 11 Tree of Life worshippers in October. The City of Pittsburgh will continue to welcome newcomers to our city and nation, while diligently working with federal law enforcement and others to keep us safe, and to eradicate all attempts to threaten and terrify us.”
The announcement of the arrest was made by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division Michael McGarrity and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Division Robert Jones.
“Targeting places of worship is beyond the pale, no matter what the motivation,” said Demers. “The defendant is alleged to have plotted just such an attack of a church in Pittsburgh in the name of ISIS. The National Security Division and our partners will continue our efforts to identify and bring to justice individuals in our country who seek to commit violence on behalf of ISIS and other terrorist organizations. I want to thank the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this investigation.”
“Our top priority is protecting the citizens of western Pennsylvania,” said Brady. “Every day investigators and prosecutors work tirelessly behind the scenes to disrupt terrorist activity and keep our community safe. While the public does not always see the results of the hard work of these dedicated men and women, this case is a visible demonstration of our commitment to rooting out terrorists and bringing them to justice
WTAE
