Federal authorities announced on Monday they had arrested Mark Steven Domingo of Reseda, Calif., for allegedly plotting to carry out a series of terrorist attacks in Los Angeles to avenge the New Zealand mosque shooting.
An Army infantry veteran with combat experience in Afghanistan, Domingo, 26, wanted to plant improvised explosive devices for “the purpose of causing mass casualties,” according to the Department of Justice. He is a convert to Islam.
Domingo reportedly stated in a private group chat: “I feel like I should make a christians life miserable tomorrow for our fallen bros n sis in [N]ew Zealand…maybe a jews life…they shed our blood…no Muslim should have to experience this, a message needs to be sent.”
He is charged with providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists.
“This investigation successfully disrupted a very real threat posed by a trained combat soldier who repeatedly stated he wanted to cause the maximum number of casualties,” said Nicola Hanna, U.S. attorney for the Central District of California. “Protecting Americans from terror attacks is the number one priority of the Justice Department, and anyone who plots to use a weapon of mass destruction will be held to account.”
While Domingo had been talking with an undercover FBI source, the affidavit states he had “expressed support for violent jihad, a desire to seek retribution for attacks against Muslims, and a willingness to become a martyr.” His lists of potential targets included Jews, churches, military installations, and police officers.
Domingo bought 3-inch nails to be used in the explosive device and delivered them to the undercover source, who in turn gave him “multiple inert devices, which Domingo believed were weapons of mass destruction. After inspecting the devices and traveling to a park in Long Beach to surveil the location of the planned attack, Domingo was taken into custody.”
His initial appearance is scheduled for Monday afternoon in U.S. District Court.
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