A 21-year-old Pennsylvania man is facing federal terrorism-related charges after FBI agents arrested him with a semiautomatic rifle, rifle magazines and about 190 rounds of ammunition that prosecutors say were being acquired for a planned attack.
Who is Jonathan Hunter Kramer ?
Jonathan Hunter Kramer, from Valencia, Pennsylvania, was 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 terrorism offence.Prosecutors allege Kramer was preparing for an ISIS-inspired attack. He appeared in federal court on September 14, with prosecutors seeking to keep him detained without bond, arguing he poses a danger to the community.
2023 mass-casualty incident
Kramer was previously known to the FBI following a 2023 investigation, when he was a minor. Pennsylvania authorities charged him over his role in a plot to carry out a mass-casualty incident and for possessing child sexual abuse material. He was later adjudicated delinquent.After his release from juvenile detention on March 19 this year, an anonymous tipster contacted the FBI about what they described as troubling behaviour, including Kramer ordering “mysterious” packages and reconnecting with people from before his earlier case.Investigators later linked him to an online persona called “Hamza Al Rashid”. According to the FBI affidavit, the account claimed an affiliation with ISIS, offered to share explosive manuals and discussed preparing for a “mission”. Kramer allegedly said he was only missing a “weapon”.
What happened before his arrest
On September 12, FBI agents saw Kramer leave his home carrying a bag and travel by rideshare to a retail store, where he bought a disposable phone.Investigators say he then met someone in the parking lot and took a long black bag from a vehicle before travelling to a hotel in Cranberry Township, where he paid cash for a room.Witnesses reportedly heard a metallic clicking sound from the bag. Kramer later went to a sporting goods store and was seen at the gun counter by FBI agents.He was approached after returning to the hotel with two bags containing items from the store. Federal search warrants were then executed at the hotel, his home and on his person.
What did investigators find
Agents seized a semiautomatic rifle, five rifle magazines, a bipod and scope and about 190 rounds of rifle ammunition. Two magazines were loaded and the other three had a 30-round capacity.They also found an entrenchment tool, prayer rug, pepper spray, about 30 knives and a handwritten note that read: “Do not look for me. IDK what I did but I can’t live in constant fear”.Authorities allege the weapons and ammunition were acquired in preparation for an attack Kramer referred to as his “mission”.Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Eisenberg said Kramer appeared to be preparing for a mass shooting.“Kramer was taken into custody just as he appeared to be preparing for a mass shooting that could have taken many lives,” Eisenberg said.FBI Director Kash Patel said Kramer had allegedly engaged with ISIS propaganda online, developed attack concepts and expressed extremist views while acquiring weapons.
What happens next
Kramer faces a federal charge related to receiving a firearm and ammunition knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, they would be used to commit a federal crime of terrorism or another felony.The complaint also refers to allegations involving the provision, attempted provision and conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.Prosecutors are seeking his detention without bond pending trial.The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office investigated the case with state, local and federal agencies.
