Houston Theater Week Delivers Nearly $7 Million in 5 Years for Local Performing Arts

CNN Newsource on September 17, 2026

By Francis Page Jr.

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    September 17, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — HOUSTON — Somebody cue the standing ovation.

Five years after the curtain first rose on Houston Theater Week, the citywide arts initiative has grown from an ambitious post-pandemic idea into one of Houston’s most successful annual celebrations of live performance—generating nearly $7 million for local performing arts organizations since 2022.

The 2026 edition of Houston Theater Week Presented by Huntington Bank, organized by Houston First Corporation in partnership with the Houston Theater District and participating arts organizations, delivered another blockbuster performance of its own.

Nearly 42,000 tickets were sold for more than 400 live shows, producing more than $2 million in ticket revenue during the week-long promotion. Twenty-one organizations participated, offering audiences everything from theater and opera to ballet, contemporary dance, chamber music, symphonic performances and innovative new productions.

That is a long way from opening night in 2022.

The inaugural Houston Theater Week sold 17,594 tickets to 107 shows, generating $572,223. By 2023, revenues had climbed to roughly $868,000. In 2024, more than 32,000 tickets generated nearly $1.4 million. Then came 2025, when more than 43,000 tickets pushed revenues above $2 million for the first time.

In other words, Houston did not simply buy tickets. Houston built an audience.

“Reaching its fifth year is an important milestone for Houston Theater Week and a testament to the event’s growing impact,” said Michael Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First.

Heckman emphasized that the initiative has become about much more than discounted admission. Early sellouts showed strong public enthusiasm while introducing residents and visitors to the extraordinary range of cultural experiences available throughout Greater Houston.

And Houston has quite a stage on which to perform. The Houston Theater District describes itself as home to the nation’s second-largest concentration of world-class performing arts venues, including Alley Theatre, the Hobby Center, Jones Hall and Wortham Theater Center.

Yet one of Theater Week’s strengths is that the spotlight extends well beyond the largest institutions.

The 2026 lineup included 4th Wall Theatre Company, Alley Theatre, Apollo Chamber Players, Ars Lyrica Houston, Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre, Chamber Music Houston, DACAMERA, Houston Ballet, Houston Contemporary Dance Company, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Masterworks Chorus, Houston Symphony, Main Street Theater, Mercury Chamber Orchestra, Performing Arts Houston, ROCO, Stages, Tee Zee Productions, The Ensemble Theatre, The Hobby Center and Theatre Under The Stars.

That mixture of internationally recognized institutions, established local companies and smaller artistic organizations is important because Theater Week serves two audiences at once: longtime arts supporters and Houstonians walking through a theater door for the very first time.

“Our performing arts organizations of all sizes welcomed thousands of new faces into their venues,” said Meg Booth, Board Chair of the Houston Theater District, adding that the goal is to break down barriers and make live performing arts more accessible.

That accessibility may ultimately be Houston Theater Week’s biggest encore.

Buy-One-Get-One-Free offers get people through the doors. But once audiences experience the orchestra warming up, the curtain rising, dancers taking flight or actors turning a quiet stage into another world, a bargain ticket can become a lifelong relationship with the arts.

Five years, nearly $7 million and tens of thousands of seats later, Houston Theater Week has demonstrated something wonderfully Houston: when culture becomes more accessible, the audience gets bigger—and the entire arts community gets stronger.

For official Houston Theater Week results and future announcements, visit Houston First and the Houston Theater District. Houston First — Houston Theater Week 2026 results Houston Theater District

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ICE agent accused of lying about north Minneapolis shooting booked into Hennepin County Jail

CNN Newsource on September 17, 2026

By WCCO Staff

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    MINNESOTA (WCCO) — The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent charged with lying about the circumstances leading up to his shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant in north Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge is now in the Hennepin County Jail.

Christian Castro, 52, pleaded not guilty to six federal counts of making false statements to investigators.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it arrested Castro around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Second Avenue South and Third Street in Minneapolis. He was booked into the Hennepin County Jail on an active warrant.

Castro, who has been suspended without pay by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, was released from custody in late August after Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott refused to sign an extradition warrant to Minnesota.

“Gov. Abbott’s attempt to shield Mr. Castro from accountability has failed. We look forward to commencing our prosecution,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in a statement Wednesday.

A judge in McAllen, Texas, had ordered Castro released on a $75,000 bond and told him to wear a GPS ankle monitor.

Charges allege Castro was working with his partner on Jan. 14 and pursued a then-26-year-old Venezuelan citizen on foot in front of a north Minneapolis duplex. Julio Sosa-Celis came out to help during the struggle.

The documents say the two men ran back inside the duplex and Castro fired a single shot through the door, striking Sosa-Celis in the foot. There were multiple people, including two children, in the home at the time. Surveillance video threw Castro’s account of the encounter into doubt.

Castro is scheduled to make his first appearance in state court on Thursday. He is expected in Minnesota federal court on Friday afternoon.

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Twin Cities doctor paralyzed in mountain fall returns to practicing medicine nearly 2 years later

CNN Newsource on September 17, 2026

By Ubah Ali

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    MINNESOTA (WCCO) — A Twin Cities physician who has spent the last two years learning to live with a life-changing injury is making a remarkable recovery.

Dr. Shirlee Xie’s return follows a devastating fall from a mountain while hiking in Switzerland that left her paralyzed from the chest down.

When WCCO first met Xie at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in late 2024, transferring from her wheelchair to the bed was difficult.

“I think every moment of life I’ve had to relearn how to do things differently,” Xie said.

Over time, she got stronger both mentally and physically, all while working towards one goal: getting back to caring for patients at Hennepin Healthcare.

This year, that has become a reality.

“It feels very strange to put on a white coat again and see patients and introduce myself as Dr. Xie,” she said.

Her shared office is bright, filled with pictures of her family. But there is one striking reminder of how much time has passed. The calendar is still marked 2024.

While there’s excitement, she said returning to the hospital came with its own questions. She worried about how patients might perceive her and what it means to practice medicine while navigating in a wheelchair.

“They don’t seem to mind, so I think it’s just, I put a lot of anxiety on that, but it was not necessary,” Xie said.

Still, she says her purpose has been the same since she was young: to care for people when they are at their most vulnerable. After two years of hard work and perseverance, she is back where she fought so hard to be.

“It feels like I’m reclaiming a piece of me that I thought was lost for a while,” Xie said.

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Witness stayed by side of Missouri high school student until the end after shooting at gas station

CNN Newsource on September 17, 2026

By La’Nita Brooks

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    RAYTOWN, Missouri (KSHB) — A Raytown High School student was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon at a Casey’s gas station on Blue Ridge Boulevard.

Raytown police responded to the scene just after 1 p.m. for a juvenile male suffering from a gunshot wound. The teen was taken to a local hospital where he died. Raytown High School later confirmed the student was Joshua Lewis.

Elizabeth Baquedano was driving home from work when she noticed commotion at the gas station. She asked that her face not be shown.

Baquedano said she heard the shot and watched what unfolded.

“I heard a pop, which I recognized as a gunshot. And when I turned, one of the students had fallen,” she said. “And I noticed that he fell but I noticed that the other two that were with him ran. They got on bikes and they left.”

She said she turned around and ran to help Lewis immediately.

“I pulled into the parking lot, and I got out and I ran to him,” Baquedano said. “He was shot in the shoulder up here and he was bleeding profusely.”

Baquedano stayed with Lewis appyling pressure to his wound while trying to keep him conscious.

“I kept trying to wake him up, I kept telling him, ‘Sweetie please get up,'” she said. “I said, ‘Don’t worry, they’re coming, help is on the way.'”

Detectives spent the afternoon processing the scene, using a canine to search the area for evidence.

Pastor Michael Johnson, whose church is nearby, said he had left the property shortly before the shooting occurred. That morning, he said he felt a nudge to cancel his usual Bible study.

“I had not long left the property,” Johnson said. “And so, I got a call that there was a shooting on the property. It’s two-fold. You know, I’m happy that we weren’t here but at the same time my heart goes out to the young man that lost his life.”

Around the corner at 59th and Hedges, a second police presence developed Thursday afternoon. Officers were seen approaching a home with rifles drawn, and police appeared to remove evidence from the home along with two bicycles. It is unclear at this time whether the activity at that location is connected to the shooting.

Baquedano said she wants Lewis’s family to know he was not alone.

“I just hope that they know that he was prayed over, he was constantly reminded that he was loved and that I did everything I could to be there with him” she said.

The investigation is ongoing.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KSHB’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Asylum seeker hospitalized without family’s knowledge after medical decline in ICE custody facility

CNN Newsource on September 17, 2026

By Rachel Henderson

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    LEAVENWORTH, Kansas (KSHB) — A Leavenworth community group and the partner of a woman in ICE custody are demanding transparency from CoreCivic and the Department of Homeland Security after the woman was hospitalized without her family or attorney being notified.

Katsiaryna Bartko, known as Kate, is a 33-year-old thyroid cancer survivor originally from Belarus, a European country bordering Ukraine and Russia.

She came to the United States seeking asylum and had a student visa that expired in March 2023.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services told her she could stay until her asylum application was decided.

In May 2026, Kate was arrested in Florida on a misdemeanor charge that was later closed.

She remained in a Florida county jail before being transferred to ICE’s Miramar Field Office on June 4, the same day she received a notice to appear from DHS.

She has been held at Leavenworth’s Midwest Regional Reception Center since June 18 — 104 days.

Her partner and authorized medical records recipient, Dmitry Shyshov, says her medical condition has significantly deteriorated since then.

Medical records and evaluations from professionals have also confirmed this.

“Primary concern is to see her again,” Shyshov said. “To say to her that I love her.”

Kate is currently suffering from two life-threatening conditions: low calcium and high thyroid hormone levels.

Her condition requires daily medication to keep those levels stable.

Shyshov has been tracking her medical records, which show declining levels for both.

He says three declarations from three different doctors confirm both conditions can be lethal.

“Those conditions can be fatal, and they can escalate in hours,” Shyshov said.

Shyshov says Kate’s current symptoms include kidney pain, digestive system issues, headaches, spasms, and seizures.

He says she requested emergency room care twice and was denied both times.

Her condition requires daily medication to keep those levels stable.

Shyshov has been tracking her medical records, which show declining levels for both.

He says three declarations from three different doctors confirm both conditions can be lethal.

“Those conditions can be fatal, and they can escalate in hours,” Shyshov said.

Shyshov says Kate’s current symptoms include kidney pain, digestive system issues, headaches, spasms, and seizures.

He says she requested emergency room care twice and was denied both times.

Neither he nor her attorney was informed.

He says he learned about it by accident through an email exchange between her attorney and an assistant United States attorney.

“She simply just rapidly texted me that they are taking my communication away, and that was it,” Shyshov said.

Shyshov says Kate was also forbidden from communications after the blood draw and failed to appear on two attorney calls — one the previous week and one Monday morning.

Because of her condition, the two had tried to stay in contact every 60 to 90 minutes.

“That is actually how we became aware that something is going on, just because two attorney calls missed already means something,” Shyshov said.

In the email exchange, the U.S. attorney wrote: “As I understand it, Ms. Bartko was transferred to a Kansas City hospital on orders by a doctor yesterday. Due to operations security, ICE has advised they cannot release the hospital name or location.”

I reached out to CoreCivic about her condition on September 3, and they said Kate was being monitored regularly.

A federal judge in Kansas City heard her emergency motion in person on September 4 and has not yet issued a written order.

The hearing was on Bartko’s petition for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, filed under 28 U.S.C. § 2241. The case is captioned Bartko v. Mackey, No. 5:26-cv-03290-DDC (D. Kan.).

He initially scheduled a telephone conference about her hospitalization for Tuesday, which was cancelled.

When I reached out again Monday, they said they could not comment because of privacy laws.

“We are unable to comment on a specific individual’s medical record due to our own policies, those of our government partners, and restrictions tied to medical privacy laws, such as HIPAA,” the representative wrote in an email.

They also suggested reaching out to ICE, which I did.

As of Tuesday, I’m still awaiting a response.

Shyshov says he is still waiting for medical records from before and during the hospitalization.

“She was already in a very severe condition, and I want to understand literally what is happening to her and how she ended up in the hospital,” Shyshov said.

Dan McIntosh, a Leavenworth resident who is part of a group called Leavenworth Community Response, says the communication breakdown is not surprising.

They materialized after the ICE detention facility was authorized to open in March.

It’s since been sold to DHS while CoreCivic manages operations.

The group’s ultimate goal is to secure the best possible outcome for detainees.

“The communication throughout this entire thing has been terrible,” McIntosh said.

McIntosh says the group became aware of Kate’s situation after someone directed them to a Newsweek story, and they tracked down Shyshov from there.

He says the group dealt with three other medical situations over the summer, and all four cases involved detainees with pre-existing conditions.

He says a concern is that acute medical issues are being evaluated over Telehealth rather than by a doctor in person.

“From the medical professionals I’ve talked to, those symptoms in and of themselves should have been enough to get her into an emergency room, but she was denied twice,” McIntosh said. “Why did the lawyers not find out that she was in the hospital with a case pending on her medical treatment? Why was her legal team not informed until two days after she went into the hospital? The only reason they found out is because they had a scheduled call with her, and when they called, they said, ‘Oh, she’s not at the facility.’ That’s not okay.”

He says the pattern points to deeper systemic problems.

“If they cannot provide that level of care, then they should not be detaining those individuals,” McIntosh said. “It’s a testament to the fact that this entire system is based on a model of deterrence. It’s not based on a model of the dignity of the individual, especially things like processing asylum.”

McIntosh is calling on CoreCivic and ICE to be more open about where detainees are being held and to overhaul how medical needs are handled at the facility.

“We would like to see either a drastic revamp of the medical situation inside this facility, or the acknowledgement that they’re not capable of handling the medical needs of folks that are coming in with pre-existing conditions,” McIntosh said. “If they can’t handle these situations, they need to let these people out on bond, let their medical situations get resolved, and let the things play out in court. There’s absolutely no reason to be detaining these people.”

Shyshov says the situation has left him fearing the worst and questioning the system Kate turned to for protection.

“She fled Belarus because she was afraid to be tortured in political prison by medical neglect. Can you imagine what she’s experiencing right now? In the place where it’s the people whom she asked for an asylum,” Shyshov said. “I don’t know where she is, how she is, if she’s still alive, if she’s in a coma, if she’s conscious, and if I will ever see her again.”

Kate’s asylum hearing is scheduled for September 28.

Shyshov still maintains a website documenting Bartko’s case, including a timeline of her lab values, facility documents and court filings, at kateredemption.com.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KSHB’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Woman who pleaded guilty in Colorado elder fraud, “romance scam” case now accused of targeting other men

CNN Newsource on September 17, 2026

By Kelly Werthmann

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    COLORADO (KCNC) — A woman who pleaded guilty this week to defrauding a 90-year-old Centennial man out of $40,000 is now accused of using similar tactics on other men she met around the Denver metro area, including one who told investigators he lost nearly a half million dollars.

Priscilla Johnson, 33, pleaded guilty to theft and criminal exploitation of an at-risk adult in a case prosecutors described as a romance scam. According to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Johnson approached the victim at a grocery store in July 2025, introduced herself as “Elizabeth John” and told him she was in Colorado after her fiancé had been killed in a crash. The man, a widower, exchanged phone numbers with Johnson and later met her for lunch.

Investigators said Johnson told the man she needed money to replace items that had been stolen and later claimed she had cancer and needed tens of thousands of dollars for treatment. Believing they had developed romantic feelings for one another, the man gave Johnson a total of $40,000 before becoming suspicious when she asked for additional financial assistance and then abruptly cut off contact.

The victim’s son ultimately contacted the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, leading to an investigation that traced the phone number Johnson used and resulted in her identification through a photo lineup.

But court records filed after Johnson’s guilty plea suggest the case may not have been an isolated incident. While reviewing phone records tied to Johnson, investigators identified other men who had extensive contact with her during the same period.

According to an affidavit, one man in his 80s told investigators he met Johnson outside a grocery store and later joined her for meals. He said Johnson told him she had moved to Colorado after the death of her fiancé and was trying to rebuild her life. The man told investigators the relationship grew over several weeks through phone calls, text messages and in-person meetings.

Investigators said Johnson later claimed professional makeup equipment had been stolen and asked for help replacing it so she could continue working weddings and other events. The man ultimately provided about $7,500 after Johnson allegedly promised she would repay him. According to court records, he never received the money back.

Investigators also discovered another case involving a man who said he was persuaded to invest money into what he believed was a legitimate business opportunity. According to the affidavit, the man initially invested a small amount, appeared to make a profit and eventually invested about $450,000. He told investigators he has not recovered any of the money. Authorities linked communications in that case to the same phone number associated with Johnson.

As part of her plea agreement in the elder exploitation case, Johnson was required to repay the 90-year-old victim in full, plus interest, and complete 60 hours of public service.

“Justice is about accountability, but it is also about making victims whole,” said Assistant District Attorney Ryan Brackley. “In this case, we were able to hold the defendant accountable and make sure the victim received all the money that was taken from him.”

District Attorney Amy Padden said romance scams can be especially difficult for victims because they often involve trust and personal relationships.

“When someone in our community is victimized by a scam, especially one that involves trust and a personal relationship, it can be incredibly difficult to come forward,” Padden said. “Victims may feel embarrassed, ashamed or worry that they will be judged.”

Investigators continue to determine whether there may be additional victims connected to the case.

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2 children, ages 7 and 8, in medically induced comas after Deerfield Beach crash that killed 4-year-old

CNN Newsource on September 17, 2026

By Abby Dodge, Ana Maria Soler

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — Family and friends gathered at a Coconut Creek park to hold a vigil for 4-year-old Christine, who died in a rollover crash in Deerfield Beach Saturday night. Two of her young cousins remain in medically induced comas.

The crash happened on West Hillsboro Boulevard when a driver attempting a U-turn was struck by a motorcyclist, flipping the car, according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. The motorcyclist, 18 years old, also died. Four family members who were inside the car remain hospitalized.

Christine’s brother, Jake Varela, spoke at the vigil, describing his sister as someone who made it her mission to bring joy to others.

“Every day she woke up and was always like I want to make somebody else smile today. I want to wake up and make somebody laugh, have joy,” Varela said.

Christine’s cousins, ages 7 and 8, are in medically induced comas at Broward Health Medical Center. Their family has been at the hospital since Saturday night.

“They are pushing through, and we are trying to bring as much love and support to them,” Varela said.

911 calls were released on the day of the vigil In 911 calls released on the day of the vigil, bystanders described the scene in the moments after the crash.

“I think somebody is dead here; somebody is dead,” one caller said.

Varela said his father, who was also in the car, managed to get out and pull other family members from the overturned vehicle.

“He pulled everybody out of that car. He did everything he could. My dad was really a hero out of all of this,” Varela said.

The family is raising money to cover Christine’s funeral costs and mounting medical bills. Varela said his father has been released from the hospital, but his mother remains hospitalized with broken bones.

Varela said he wants the community to hold onto his sister’s spirit rather than grieve her absence.

“I don’t want anyone to be upset that she’s gone. I want everyone to know and be happy that she was here and she was able to live life,” he said.

The two cousins in medically induced comas continue to receive treatment at Broward Health Medical Center.

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Texas barbershop owner, former pastor turns himself in over hidden cellphone, invasive recording charge

CNN Newsource on September 17, 2026

By S.E. Jenkins

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    DENTON, Texas (KTVT) — A Denton barbershop owner and former pastor turned himself in after police say he secretly placed a cellphone in a business restroom and recorded a female employee.

Denton police said 37-year-old Jose Luis Alvarez Williams turned himself in Sept. 10 on an outstanding warrant stemming from an Aug. 3 incident in the 700 block of South Elm Street.

According to police, a female employee at the barbershop discovered a cellphone hidden inside a box in the restroom. She noticed a camera lens pointed toward the toilet area and, after taking a closer look, realized it was the lens of a cellphone.

The victim reported what she discovered to the Denton Police Department. Detectives later determined Alvarez, who owned the business, had allegedly placed the phone in the restroom and recorded the victim.

Police said Alvarez admitted to detectives that there are additional victims.

According to Victory World Outreach, Alvarez previously served as a pastor within its fellowship.

“The Church Council immediately removed Mr. Alvarez from all pastoral duties after becoming aware of the allegations, a statement from the church reads. “To clarify, the conduct alleged in this matter did not occur at Victory World Outreach or in connection with the church … the church takes allegations of inappropriate behavior very seriously and will cooperate with any investigation pursued by the appropriate authorities.”

The investigation is ongoing.

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Georgia reports first West Nile virus death of 2026; 8 confirmed cases

CNN Newsource on September 17, 2026

By WUPA News Staff

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    ATLANTA, Georgia (WUPA) — Health officials in Georgia say one person has died from the West Nile Virus.

The Georgia Department of Health announced the death Wednesday after eight people have contracted the disease this year, a number that they expected will increase. Mosquito traps in several counties, including Fulton, Chatham and DeKalb, have tested positive for the virus, but this is the first deadly case of 2026.

Officials have not shared details about the deadly case, including when it happened, where it happened, or any identifying information about the individual.

DPH says that most people infected with West Nile Virus do not develop symptoms; however, those with compromised immune systems or people with underlying medical conditions are at greater risk of severe complications from the disease.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows 18 confirmed cases in 2025. Across the country, the CDC reports 2,146 human cases and 172 deaths connected to the virus last year.

With mosquito season lasting through October, and the recent warm weather continuing, health officials are urging Georgians to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Georgians reconsider outdoor routines after West Nile virus death DeKalb County mom, Esther Cruz Lopez, said she and her children spend a lot of time outside. But because of the eight confirmed West Nile virus cases in Georgia this year, their routine may change.

“Right now we are doing it usual, but if there’s any more concerns about it, then yeah, I’m going to have to have precautions about it,” Cruz Lopez said.

“That, that’s kind of scary,” Cruz Lopez said about the first West Nile Virus death in Georgia.

She said she will take other steps to make sure she and her family are safe.

“Just definitely gonna layer up on the bug spray and try to stay from outside,” Cruz Lopez said.

DeKalb County resident Daemon Baizan said that up until Wednesday, he didn’t know about the West Nile Virus cases in Georgia. He’s now rethinking when he’ll spend time outside.

“If I’m going to get out during the mosquito hour, I’m just gonna make sure there’s a good stiff breeze blowing so it makes it really tough for them to bite me,” Baizan said. “I know we’ve got mosquito repellent in the house somewhere. Probably be thinking more about that.”

How to protect yourself from West Nile virus The CDC recommends using an insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, wearing long, loose-fitting shirts and pants so it is harder for mosquitoes to bite your skin, and avoiding being outside between dusk and dawn when the mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are most active.

While most people infected with the virus do not develop symptoms, others can experience anything from fevers, headaches, vomiting, and more within two to six days after being bit. The virus can be extremely dangerous to elderly individuals, people with compromised immune systems, or those with other underlying medical conditions.

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Pennsylvania man accused of planning attack in support of ISIS appears in federal court

CNN Newsource on September 17, 2026

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.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.