Terror Expert Warns ‘Lone Wolves’ May Have Wider Extremist Ties

An 18-year-old man from Minnesota has been accused of planning an attack inspired by ISIS at the Mall of America. He had been under FBI surveillance for about two years. Counterterrorism expert Ryan Mauro has raised concerns that these so-called lone wolves might actually have connections to larger extremist networks.

In a related case, a 27-year-old man from Arizona, Matthew Bjornholt, is facing a felony charge for allegedly plotting a mass casualty event targeting a Jewish or Muslim place of worship. Prosecutors allege he possessed a notorious bomb-making manual linked to the Oklahoma City bomber, Timothy McVeigh.

Bjornholt is accused of creating a frightening plan that included firearms, explosives, and an accomplice designated to attack survivors. During his first court appearance, prosecutor Stephen Garcia requested a cash bond of $500,000, deeming Bjornholt a significant threat to the community.

Prosecutors disclosed that Bjornholt had detailed plans for his attack, which included intentions to use bombs followed by shooting at the fleeing victims. Allegedly, he referred to “The Anarchist Cookbook,” the bomb-making guide, as his “Bible.”

Authorities later conducted a search of Bjornholt’s home, where they reportedly seized three firearms and ammunition. However, Bjornholt’s attorney, Chad Schell, has contested these allegations, claiming they were based purely on unverified accounts from a former acquaintance. This individual, whom Bjornholt had temporarily housed, was described by Schell as a “homeless alcoholic” who had been evicted shortly before the FBI’s investigation began.

Schell highlighted that federal investigators had looked into the case previously, even executing a search warrant and examining Bjornholt’s electronic possessions, but found no evidence of any terror plans or bomb-making supplies. He stressed that the FBI released Bjornholt without pursuing federal charges amidst the assertions against him.

Regarding the seized firearms, Schell argued that they were lawfully owned, pointing out that Bjornholt’s civil rights had been reinstated after serving time related to a prior drug charge linked to a murder case that ultimately did not proceed due to insufficient evidence. He claimed the ammunition found was merely standard magazine loads.

Following the prosecution’s argument for a higher bond due to Bjornholt’s criminal background, the presiding judge noted that the evidence on record seemed heavily reliant on hearsay. Consequently, Bjornholt’s bond was set at $100,000, while still recognizing sufficient probable cause to advance the case.

It’s currently uncertain whether specific places of worship were particularly targeted in Bjornholt’s alleged plot or if an actual accomplice was involved. Bjornholt’s next court date is scheduled for October 22, followed by a preliminary hearing on October 26.