Butler County Man Arrested for Alleged ISIS Plot
A 21-year-old man from Butler County, Pennsylvania, has been taken into custody on suspicion of planning a violent attack connected to ISIS. This development follows an investigation by the FBI, which tracked him and confiscated 190 rounds of ammunition.
The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed on Tuesday that Jonathan Hunter Kramer from Valencia faces federal charges. He is accused of receiving firearms and ammunition knowing they would be used for a felony or federal terrorism-related crime, including providing support to a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.
FBI agents apprehended Kramer as he entered a hotel, where he was found with three 30-round capacity rifle magazines and numerous boxes of rifle ammunition. During a search of his hotel room, authorities discovered a semiautomatic rifle along with more ammunition.
“As Americans observed the 25th anniversary of 9/11, our law enforcement partners were working to protect our country from the continued threat of terrorism,” stated Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Their outstanding work thwarted this alleged attack before innocent lives could be lost. The Department of Justice will relentlessly pursue anyone who seeks to terrorize the American people and bring them to justice.”
An affidavit linked to the case revealed that the FBI had monitored Kramer since 2023, when he was a minor involved in a separate investigation. At that time, he faced state charges for his participation in a plan to carry out a mass casualty event and also for possession of child sexual abuse material.
After being released from a juvenile facility in March, the FBI received an anonymous tip about Kramer’s return to troubling behaviors. This included ordering suspicious packages and reconnecting with friends from before his adjudication.
Further investigation uncovered that, under the alias “Hamza Al Rashid,” he had expressed his affiliation with ISIS online, suggested sharing “explosive manuals,” and indicated he was preparing for a “mission,” stating he just needed a weapon. This behavior raised significant concerns.
Over the recent weekend, the FBI observed Kramer buying a disposable phone. Carrying a bag they noted made a “metallic clicking sound,” he met someone in a parking lot to receive a “long black bag” from a car trunk. Following this, he was seen at a sporting goods store’s gun counter.
“The subject in this case was allegedly plotting a violent attack in support of ISIS — engaging with ISIS propaganda online, building attack concepts, and repeatedly expressing extremist rhetoric — all while acquiring weapons believed to be in preparation for the attack,” remarked FBI Director Kash Patel. “This is why we implemented changes within the FBI, to prevent potential criminals from acting and to save lives.”
The affidavit also noted that, along with the weapons and ammunition, the FBI discovered a handwritten note from Kramer stating, “DoNt look For me[.] IDK what I did buT I cant live In constant Fear[.]”
“Kramer was taken into custody just as he appeared to be preparing for a mass shooting that could have taken many lives,” explained Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Eisenberg. “This arrest prevented what could have been a horrific tragedy.”
U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania emphasized the seriousness of Kramer’s actions and the collaboration of law enforcement agencies in swiftly intervening. Kramer made an initial court appearance on Monday, and the prosecution has requested that he be held without bond due to his potential danger to the community.
