Pennsylvania man accused of planning attack in support of ISIS appears in federal court
By Mike Darnay, Jennifer Borrasso
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PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (KDKA) — The Pennsylvania man arrested by the FBI and accused of planning an attack in support of ISIS made an appearance in federal court and waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday.
Jonathan Kramer, 21, appeared Wednesday at the Joseph F. Weis, Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Pittsburgh, shackled at his hands and feet and in a red jumpsuit. He was stoic and showed no emotion.
“Mass casualty attack” thwarted Kramer is accused of pledging allegiance to the Islamic State of Syria and arming himself to carry out an ISIS-inspired “mass casualty attack” before an FBI investigation thwarted him.
Richard Evanchec, special agent in charge for the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, called the planned attack an “imminent threat of violence inspired by ISIS.”
Kramer was arrested Saturday outside of a hotel in Cranberry Township, around 25 miles north of Pittsburgh, with a rifle, ammunition and dozens of knives in his possession. The FBI said he had roughly 190 rounds of ammunition.
Kramer has been charged with one count of receipt or transfer of a firearm or ammunition knowing or having reasonable cause to believe such firearm or ammunition will be used to commit a felony or a federal crime of terrorism.
Suspect described as “a loner” Kramer lived with his parents in Valencia. Neighbor Greg Squire said he’s still in shock and never suspected any issues.
“I’m glad they found out about it,” he said. “But I guess they have been investigating him for years?”
Kramer had been on the FBI’s radar for three years. Last week, he allegedly posted that he was preparing for his “mission,” but just needed a weapon. Investigators said he then met someone in a Walmart parking lot and received a long black bag.
A source described Kramer as a “kind boy when he was young,” saying he was “very quiet” and a “loner” who didn’t have friends and didn’t show emotion.
Mars Area School District’s superintendent said in a statement that as a resident of the district, Kramer received a Mars Area High School diploma after meeting all graduation requirements, but he didn’t physically attend any schools.
A public defender representing Kramer has filed a motion to have redactions made to the affidavit related to his arrest, arguing that things pertaining to his client’s juvenile record are confidential.
A date for Kramer’s next court appearance has not been set.
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