Pennsylvania Man, 21, Charged in Alleged Plot to Poison Jews and Target Synagogues

A 21-year-old Pennsylvania resident has been charged with planning an ISIS-inspired attack against the Jewish community and synagogues in the United States. According to allegations, the young man, who was already known to authorities for extremist activity as a minor, was preparing for a poisoning and shooting attack and had obtained a semi-automatic rifle.

The suspect was arrested Sunday after federal agents raided a hotel room in the town of Cranberry. He is charged with receiving a firearm with the intent that it be used to commit a serious crime or an act of terrorism.

According to investigative documents, he operated fake online profiles and spread ISIS and Hamas propaganda. In May, investigators found messages on an encrypted app in which he discussed harming “infidels” and producing lethal substances. Among other things, he wrote: “I want to inject ricin or cyanide into grocery stores or food events, preferably at synagogues.” He later added: “Poison is an excellent way to wage war. I just need a weapon; once I have one, I’m ready.”

As part of the investigation, an undercover FBI agent contacted him. The young man reportedly said that, because of his criminal history, he was not allowed to purchase a weapon and asked for help obtaining one. Investigators documented him buying a burner phone, receiving a bag containing a weapon in a parking lot, renting a hotel room with cash, and later going out to buy ammunition.

In his room, authorities found a semi-automatic rifle, five loaded magazines, 190 rounds of ammunition, an optical sight, and pepper spray. At his home, they also found 30 knives and a farewell note: “Don’t look for me. I can’t live in constant fear.”

Authorities had known of him since 2023, when, as a minor, he distributed guides for making explosive devices under an alias. His computer also contained videos in which he pledged allegiance to ISIS’s advisory council. He was tried as a minor and placed in a rehabilitation program, from which he was released this past March. Soon afterward, authorities allege, he returned to planning an attack.