Local and federal officials announced Monday Army veteran and Islam convert Mark Steven Domingo was arrested after planning a series of terrorist attacks in Los Angeles. Domingo was arrested Friday night after taking what he thought was a live bomb from an undercover agent.
“Domingo, a former U.S. Army Infantryman, wanted to use improvised explosive devices against innocent civilians and he selected components that would make the bombs even more deadly to the victims he targeted,” Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Demers said in statement. “His arrest today mitigates the threat he posed to others in the Los Angeles community. I want to thank the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this investigation and arrest.”
“This investigation successfully disrupted a very real threat posed by a trained combat soldier who repeatedly stated he wanted to cause the maximum number of casualties,” U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna added. “Protecting Americans from terror attacks is the number one priority of the Justice Department, and anyone who plots to use a weapon of mass destruction will be held to account.”
The affidavit shows Domingo purchased long nails to pack into a bomb, hoping they would pierce through bodies. He delivered the nails to an undercover agent he believed to be a bomb maker.
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"In March and April 2019, DOMINGO planned and took steps to manufacture and use a weapon of mass destruction in order to commit mass murder. On April 23 and 24, 2019, DOMINGO purchased several hundred nails to be used as shrapnel inside an explosive device," a federal indictment states.
Domingo posted online about violent jihad, praised ISIS and wanted to become a revenge martyr. He stated in posts that "America needs another Vegas event” that "would give “them a taste of the terror they gladly spread all over the world.”
During conversations with an undercover agent, Domingo discussed carrying out attacks on Jews, law enforcement, military facilities and Christian houses of worship.
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