The FBI has arrested an Ohio man for allegedly plotting an “ISIS-inspired” attack on the U.S. Capitol, according to ABC News.
The FBI said agents arrested Christopher Lee Cornell, 20, in Ohio as he allegedly was taking the final steps toward traveling to the nation’s capital to carry out the plan.
ABC reports that government documents show Cornell allegedly planned to detonate pipe bombs at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. and open fire on lawmakers and other officials fleeing after the explosions.
In addition, Cornell allegedly posted statements, videos and other online content expressing support for the Islamic State — the terrorist group also known as ISIS or ISIL — that is wreaking havoc in Iraq and Syria.
Within hours of Cornell’s arrest, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a bulletin to law enforcement agencies across the country notifying them of the case.
“The alleged activities of Cornell highlight the continued interest of US-based violent extremists to support designated foreign terrorist organizations overseas, such as ISIL, by committing terrorist acts in the United States,” the bulletin read.
“Terrorist group members and supporters will almost certainly continue to use social media platforms to disseminate English language violent extremist messages.”
David Inserra, a homeland security expert at The Heritage Foundation, says the incident shows the threat of homegrown terrorists who are inspired by — but not directly affiliated with — the Islamic State.
“With ISIS continuing their war in the Middle East and using social media to radicalize individuals across the world, the U.S. must remain vigilant to prevent terror here at home,” Inserra said. “The U.S. must maintain essential counterterrorism tools and improve its efforts to stop homegrown terrorists.”
