Sometimes, the FBI gets it right. After an investigation that apparently has been ongoing for some months, the FBI has arrested an Egyptian national, one Abdullah Ezzeldin Taha Mohamed Hassan, for plotting an attack on the Israeli Embassy in New York City.
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The FBI has arrested a Virginia man, Abdullah Ezzeldin Taha Mohamed Hassan, for allegedly sending information on how to build a bomb that would target the Israeli consulate in New York. Charging documents say that Hassan worked closely with an FBI informant.
In May, local police got a tip of an ISIS supporting account on Twitter. A review of his posts revealed past support of ISIS and other extremist beliefs. An FBI informant responded to one of Hassan’s tweets and began a conversation about their purported shared interests.
The plot, as noted, involved an attack on the Israeli embassy in New York and involved “two weapons,” presumably firearms, and explosives.
In November, charging documents say Hasan sent the informant the location of the Israeli consulate in New York. Court records say Hassan provided the FBI informant with tips on how to create a martyrdom video, encouraging him to say, “Your governments have been complicit in and utterly responsible for the deaths of millions of men women and children across al-Sham, Iraq, and our beloved Al Quds. Now has come for revenge. As you weaponize yourselves with your tanks and missiles and jets, we weaponize ourselves with the Wrath of Allah AZWJL upon you. However, you may try to find and kill us, Allah AZWJL will replace our fallen with more muwahidden, bent on eradicating the corruption that you have brought forth…
The Bureau says Hassan provided the FBI informant with links to buy two weapons, detailed suggestions on how to construct the bomb, and tips on how to flee the United States after the attack.
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The FBI “Affidavit in Support of a Criminal Complaint and Arrest Warrant” noted that Hassan is an Egyptian national living in Falls Church, Virginia, and — surprise — is apparently in the country illegally, as the affidavit notes that he is currently in removal proceedings with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The affidavit also described social media posts made by Hassan threatening attacks, “Praying for an ISIS masterclass,” and “revering” Osama bin Laden and Ayman Al Zawahiri.
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The FBI affidavit that led to Hassan’s arrest may be viewed here.
What information is available as of this writing — the affidavit alone contains quite a lot — paints quite a vivid picture of a committed Islamic terrorist, willing and able to carry out terror attacks on American soil and who, by the way, has no business being in the country. What isn’t clear is how he came to be here in the first place, although the affidavit mentions a Verizon account belonging to Hassan’s father, whose whereabouts are not mentioned.
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The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of Virginia, which is prosecuting the case, declined to comment. Efforts to reach Hassan were unsuccessful,.
You don’t say.
This is a developing story. We will bring you updates as events warrant.
