An Ohio man has been arrested for allegedly plotting an attack on the U.S. Capitol building inspired by the Islamic State terrorist group, according to ABC News.
The FBI detained Christopher Lee Cornell, also known as Raheel Mahrus Ubaydah, on charges of attempting to kill a U.S. government official, the news outlet reported.
Cornell allegedly planned to detonate pipe bombs in the U.S. Capitol building and shoot members of Congress and staff in his attack, according to authorities. He had reportedly expressed support for “violent” jihad on Twitter.
“The alleged activities of Cornell highlight the continued interest of US-based violent extremists to support designated foreign terrorist organizations overseas, such as ISIL, by committing terrorist acts in the United States,” a bulletin from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security said. “Terrorist group members and supporters will almost certainly continue to use social media platforms to disseminate English language violent extremist messages.”
