Monday, July 13, 2015

Another Attempted Muslim Terror Attack Foiled


An Adams [Massachusetts] man was arrested after an investigation by the Joint Terrorism Task Force into alleged intentions to attack police and civilians in another state. 
Alexander Ciccolo, 23, also known as Ali Al Amriki, was arrested on July 4, while he was carrying a duffel bag with four firearms inside of it. 
The affidavit outlines alleged conversations between Ciccolo and an FBI witness that indicated he later spoke about additional plans to attack a university in another state. 
Ciccolo reportedly told the witness that the attack would be centered around the dorms and cafeteria, including the executions of students to be broadcast live online. 
"Ciccolo said that if a student was a Muslim, then they would be permitted to help, sit tight, or leave," the affidavit filed against him said. 
Ciccolo allegedly outlined plans to use improvised explosive devices, like the bombs used in the Boston Marathon bombing. He included sketches and even spoke about the materials he would need. 
"He said that the Boston Marathon bombing gave him the idea of what to do, using the same materials and emptying fireworks into a pressure cooker," the affidavit said. 
After his arrest, FBI agents searched Ciccolo's apartment and discovered several partially constructed Molotov cocktails, two machetes and a long curved knife. 
Ciccolo's father, a captain with the Boston Police Department, had reported that his son had a history of mental illness. According to BPD the father noticed suspicious activity and reported his son to the FBI.
Other reports indicate that he planned on carrying out the attacks on behalf of ISIS. According to NECN:
Ciccolo was arrested immediately after taking delivery of the firearms, which included a Colt AR-15 .223 caliber rifle, a SigArms Model SG550-1 5.56 caliber rifle, a Glock 17 9mm pistol, and a Glock 20 10 mm pistol. Ciccolo was convicted of drunken driving in February and therefore was prohibited from possessing firearms.

(Source)
The latter article from NECN also has copies of the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint and a brief from the government as to why Ciccolo should not be given the option of bail.

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