A 21-year-old man from Valencia, Pennsylvania, has been arrested and accused of plotting a violent attack in support of the Islamic State (ISIS), according to the Department of Justice. Jonathan Hunter Kramer, who allegedly used the alias “Hamza Al Rashid,” was taken into custody after investigators found him in possession of a rifle, ammunition, and other materials.
The FBI had been monitoring Kramer since 2023, when he faced state charges for his alleged involvement in a plot to commit a mass casualty incident and for possessing child sexual abuse material. A recent tip to the FBI prompted further investigation, leading to his arrest. Court documents unsealed Tuesday detail the allegations against Kramer.
According to the criminal complaint, FBI agents observed Kramer on September 12 as he acquired a disposable phone and met with another individual. He then allegedly checked into a hotel under a cash payment. Subsequently, he visited a sporting goods store, where he was apprehended by FBI agents in the parking lot.
During a search of Kramer’s person and his hotel room, agents reportedly discovered a semiautomatic rifle, five rifle magazines (with capacities of 30 rounds each), a rifle bipod and scope, 190 rounds of ammunition, an entrenchment tool, a prayer rug, pepper spray, and approximately 30 knives. A handwritten note found with these items read, “DoNt look For me[.] IDK what I did buT I cant live In constant Fear[.].”
Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the arrest occurred as the nation marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11, emphasizing that law enforcement prevented an attack. "Their outstanding work thwarted this alleged attack before innocent lives could be lost," Blanche said. "The Department of Justice will relentlessly pursue anyone who seeks to terrorize the American people and bring them to justice.”
FBI Director Kash Patel added that Kramer was engaged with ISIS propaganda online, developing attack concepts, and expressing extremist rhetoric while acquiring weapons. "The suspect was plotting a violent attack in support of ISIS – engaging with ISIS propaganda online, building attack concepts, and repeatedly expressing extremist rhetoric – all while acquiring weapons believed to be in preparation of the attack," Patel said.