ISIS Sympathizer Tries to Detonate WMD in Key West

Alan Moore | July 29, 2015
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The FBI today charged Harlem Suarez of Key West with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction in the United States. Suarez, a supposed ISIS sympathizer, could face a maximum punishment of life in prison.

Suarez was arrested Monday. According to the criminal complaint, his plan was to create a timer bomb filled with galvanized nails, bury it on a Key West beach, then detonate it remotely. He attempted to purchase an inert explosive device from an FBI informant after providing the nails, a cellphone detonator, a backpack, and some other bomb supplies.

The defendant allegedly posted extremist rhetoric via his Facebook page. Back in April, he wrote, "Be a warrior, learn how to cut your enemies head and then burn down the body learn how to be the new future of the world Caliphate." Later he asked for help, "from any brother. How to make a bomb send me a video or something, what do I need to make it."

The FBI also says Suarez wanted to make an Islamic State recruitment video. He wrote a script and shot it under FBI surveillance at a local motel. Suarez wore a black shirt, tactical vest, mask and scarf. In the video he apparently said, "American soil is the past, we will destroy America and divide it in two, we will rais(e) our black flag on top of your white house and any president on duty (cut head)."

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