Ohio Convert Arrested for IS- Inspired Terror Plot in DC

Washington Times:

The FBI arrested an Ohio man on Wednesday for plotting to bomb the U.S. Capitol in an Islamic State-inspired attack.

Christopher Lee Cornell, also known as Raheel Mahrus Ubaydah, of Cincinnati, was arrested on charges of attempting to kill a U.S. government official, ABC News reported.

The FBI first noticed Mr. Cornell after he tweeted support for known terror groups, according to government documents. Further investigation showed that he planned to detonate pipe bombs around the U.S. Capitol and open fire on officials and staffers, ABC News reported.

Mr. Cornell purchased firearms Wednesday and federal authorities arrested him after, officials said. He was also charged with possession of firearm in furtherance of attempted crime of violence, a local ABC affiliate reported.

The FBI and Homeland Security issued a memo notifying law enforcement agencies across the country 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 [Islamic State], by committing terrorist acts in the United States,” it read.

“Terrorist group members and supporters will almost certainly continue to use social media platforms to disseminate English language violent extremist messages,” the memo reportedly read.