Politics
JUST IN: FBI Foils Chilling ISIS Terror Plot
Federal authorities say they stopped an alleged ISIS-inspired attack before it could turn deadly, arresting a 21-year-old Pennsylvania man after investigators tracked him to a hotel and seized a rifle, ammunition and other gear.
Jonathan Hunter Kramer, of Valencia, is accused of preparing for a violent attack on behalf of ISIS and allegedly told others online that he was getting ready for his “mission” but still needed a “weapon.”
According to a federal criminal complaint, Kramer had pledged allegiance to ISIS, offered to distribute explosives manuals and used the online name “Hamza Al Rashid” while claiming ties to the terror group.
He is charged with receiving a firearm and ammunition while knowing or having reasonable cause to believe they would be used to commit a felony or federal crime of terrorism, including providing or attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Authorities had already been familiar with Kramer.
The FBI previously investigated him in 2023, when he was still a minor. He was later charged and adjudicated delinquent in Pennsylvania for his role in a separate alleged mass-casualty attack plot and for possessing child sexual abuse material, according to the Justice Department.
Federal investigators began looking at him again after receiving an anonymous tip March 19, shortly after Kramer was released from juvenile detention.
Pennsylvania man Jonathan Hunter Kramer is facing terrorism charges after allegedly preparing weapons and ammunition for an ISIS-inspired attack.
Previously convicted as a juvenile in a 2023 mass-casualty plot, Kramer was released this year and allegedly resumed plotting. Agents… pic.twitter.com/T3rhmqOGFK
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) September 15, 2026
The tipster told authorities that Kramer was ordering “mysterious” packages and “talking to his friends from before” his juvenile adjudication.
Investigators said his online activity quickly raised more alarms.
Kramer allegedly claimed an affiliation with ISIS, offered to provide explosives manuals and wrote that he was preparing for his “mission.”
He allegedly added that he was still missing a “weapon.”
Then came the move that put federal agents on high alert.
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On Friday, FBI agents watched Kramer leave his home carrying a bag before taking a rideshare to a store, where he purchased a disposable phone, according to the complaint.
He later met another person in a parking lot and retrieved a long black bag from the trunk of a vehicle before traveling to a hotel in Cranberry Township, authorities said.
Kramer allegedly paid cash for the room.
Witnesses at the store and hotel told investigators the bag made a metallic clicking sound when Kramer placed it down.
After checking in, Kramer traveled to a sporting goods store, where agents watched him near the gun counter.
Federal agents approached him after he returned to the hotel carrying two bags from the store.
Searches of Kramer, the hotel room and his home allegedly turned up a semiautomatic rifle, five rifle magazines and 190 rounds of ammunition.
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Two magazines were loaded, while three others were capable of holding 30 rounds each, according to the complaint.
Agents also recovered a rifle scope and bipod, an entrenchment tool, pepper spray and roughly 30 knives.
Investigators said they also found a handwritten note that read, “DoNt look For me[.] IDK what I did buT I cant live In constant Fear[.]”
Attorney General Todd Blanche praised the agents involved in the arrest.
“Their outstanding work thwarted this alleged attack before innocent lives could be lost,” Blanche said.
FBI Director Kash Patel said Kramer had been “plotting a violent attack in support of ISIS,” pointing to the suspect‘s online activity and alleged acquisition of weapons.
The Justice Department has not publicly identified a specific intended target for the alleged attack.
Kramer was booked into the Butler County Jail and made his first court appearance Monday.
Federal prosecutors have asked that he remain jailed without bond, arguing that he poses a danger to the community.
