Major attack foiled at the last moment as FBI arrests Pennsylvania man with violent group links
BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA: Federal agents arrested a Pennsylvania man after allegedly tracking his preparations for a violent attack linked to a violent group, seizing a rifle, ammunition and other weapons before he could allegedly carry out his plans.
Investigators say the suspect had already expressed support for the organization online and was searching for the weapon he believed he needed for his “mission.”
The suspect was arrested Friday, September 11 but the federal prosecutors announced the development on Tuesday.
“Kramer was taken into custody just as he appeared to be preparing for a mass shooting that could have taken many lives, having already secured a rifle and approximately 190 rounds of ammunition for what he called his ‘mission,’” said Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg.… https://t.co/3U17sa9B3P
— National Security Division, U.S. Dept of Justice (@DOJNatSec) September 15, 2026
Major attack foiled by FBI
Federal investigators had previously encountered Jonathan Hunter Kramer as a minor during a 2023 investigation into a potential mass-casualty plot in Pennsylvania.
Two years later, the 21-year-old Valencia resident was back on the FBI’s radar and was ultimately arrested after agents followed him to a hotel in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.
Authorities say a search of the hotel room turned up a semiautomatic rifle along with five magazines and 190 rounds of ammunition.
Kramer now faces a federal charge alleging that he received a firearm and ammunition while knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, they would be used in connection with a felony or federal offense.
The case also includes allegations involving material support for a designated foreign terror organization.
According to the federal criminal complaint, Kramer operated online under the name “Hamza Al Rashid” and claimed an affiliation with ISIS.
Investigators further allege that he offered to distribute explosives manuals through online channels.
The complaint says Kramer indicated that he was preparing for what he described as his “mission,” but still needed a “weapon” before proceeding.
The Justice Department said Kramer’s earlier 2023 case resulted in charges and a delinquency adjudication in Pennsylvania over his alleged involvement in a plot centered on a potential mass-casualty attack.
Suspect tracked to a hotel in Pennsylvania
The case reportedly came back onto investigators' radar on March 19, following an anonymous tip received soon after Kramer left a juvenile detention facility.
According to the complaint, the tipster raised concerns about Kramer ordering “mysterious” packages and reestablishing contact with individuals connected to his earlier juvenile case.
Federal agents later began monitoring his movements.
On Friday, investigators allegedly saw Kramer leave his residence with a bag before using a rideshare to travel to a store.
While there, he purchased a disposable cellphone and subsequently met another individual in a parking lot.
The investigation then took a more serious turn when Kramer allegedly removed a long black bag from the trunk of a vehicle and carried it into a hotel.
Investigators say he paid cash to rent a room. People at both the store and hotel reportedly told authorities they heard a metallic clicking noise when the bag was set down.
Kramer allegedly went to a sporting goods store later that day, where agents observed him at the firearm counter.
When he returned to the hotel with two shopping bags, investigators moved in and detained him.
Authorities subsequently searched Kramer, his hotel room and his home.
The searches allegedly uncovered a semiautomatic rifle, five rifle magazines, two of which were loaded, and 190 rounds of ammunition.
Investigators also reported finding a rifle scope, bipod, entrenchment tool, pepper spray and roughly 30 knives.
Authorities have not disclosed any specific intended target connected to the alleged attack.
