Los Angeles: A US Army veteran who was allegedly plotting a large-scale terror attack near Los Angeles as revenge for the recent mass shootings in New Zealand has been arrested, authorities said Monday.
Mark Steven Domingo, 26, who had combat experience in Afghanistan and recently converted to Islam, faces federal terror-related charges for plotting mass casualties via a home-made bomb at a white nationalist rally in Long Beach this past weekend, officials said. “This was a case in which law enforcement was able to identify a man consumed with hate and bent on mass murder, and stop him before he could carry out his attack,” US Attorney Nick Hanna told reporters.
“Nevertheless, the criminal case outlines a chilling terrorism plot that developed over the past two months and targeted innocent Americans that he expected to gather this past weekend,” he added. Domingo was arrested on Friday after receiving what he thought was a live bomb packed with nails that was delivered by an undercover agent.
According to court documents, Domingo expressed support in online posts and conversations with an FBI source for violent jihad and aspired to become a martyr by seeking retribution for attacks against Muslims. After considering various options — including targeting Jews, churches, and police officers — Domingo decided to detonate an IED at the Long Beach rally, which ended up not taking place, authorities said.
Domingo has been charged with providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists. He faces up to 15 years in prison on the charge. He appeared in federal court on Monday and was ordered held without bail pending trial. He is scheduled to be arraigned on May 31.
