FBI: Virginia Man Targeted Israeli Consulate in Name of ISIS

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and will be updated throughout the day. 12/17/2024 - 7:19pm, story has been updated with DOJ response.

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. 

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. 

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,.