FBI Arrests George Mason University Student for Plotting Mass-Casualty Attack
Arrest and Charges
An 18-year-old George Mason University freshman, Abdullah Ezzeldin Taha Mohamed Hassan, was arrested by the FBI this week and charged with distributing information about weapons of mass destruction online. Prosecutors say Hassan plotted a mass-casualty attack against people at the Israeli consulate in New York.
Background
Hassan, originally from Egypt, operated several pro-ISIS and Al Qaeda accounts on social media, promoting violence against Jews. Court documents allege that he tried to recruit others for a planned attack, sharing information about explosives and guns. The FBI began investigating Hassan in early May after the Fairfax County Police Department shared an anonymous tip about his radical and terrorist-leaning behavior on social media.
Investigation
The FBI investigation revealed that Hassan created at least three social media accounts and used them to spread extremist ideology. His posts included references to Osama bin Laden as his "idolo" and several others referring to martyrdom and jihad. In August, Hassan shared an AI summary of one of his social media accounts, which praised God.
Encrypted Messaging
An anonymous FBI source reached out to Hassan, acting sympathetic to his ideas and eventually moved from social media to Telegram, an encrypted messaging platform. On Telegram, Hassan shared pro-ISIS propaganda, videos calling for the killing of Jews, and videos explaining how to make bombs. He also advocated for attacks on government buildings.
Recruitment and Planning
Hassan spent over a month attempting to recruit the FBI source to help conduct a mass-casualty attack. He eventually decided to target the Consulate General of Israel in New York. Between November 22 and December 4, Hassan shared specific information and links about how to create a bomb, how to escape from the U.S. to a country with no extradition laws after the attack, and how to livestream the attack to share footage with the ISIS media department.
Charges and Consequences
Hassan is charged with distributing information about weapons of mass destruction in furtherance of the commission of a federal crime of violence and first-degree murder of internationally protected persons. He is currently being held without bond and is facing extradition to Egypt.
University Response
George Mason University confirmed that Hassan is a student there, majoring in information technology. The university issued a statement assuring students that it will take enhanced precautions to maintain a safe and secure university community. Hassan has been barred from entering university property, and the university will take appropriate action on student code of conduct violations as criminal proceedings progress.
Student Reaction
Students on campus are shocked by the news. "I was really shocked because it’s one of the students and recently there were a couple of other incidents to happen," said GMU grad student Yeswadh Katikapally. The university is working with local, state, and federal law enforcement and a threat assessment team to ensure student safety.
Conclusion
The FBI’s swift action in arresting Hassan and charging him with plotting a mass-casualty attack highlights the importance of online surveillance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of radicalization and the need for universities to take proactive measures to maintain a safe and secure campus environment.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Abdullah Ezzeldin Taha Mohamed Hassan?
A: Hassan is charged with distributing information about weapons of mass destruction in furtherance of the commission of a federal crime of violence and first-degree murder of internationally protected persons.
Q: What was Hassan’s plan?
A: Hassan planned to conduct a mass-casualty attack against people at the Israeli consulate in New York.
Q: How did the FBI investigate Hassan?
A: The FBI began investigating Hassan in early May after the Fairfax County Police Department shared an anonymous tip about his radical and terrorist-leaning behavior on social media. The investigation revealed that Hassan created at least three social media accounts and used them to spread extremist ideology.
Q: What is the university’s response to the incident?
A: George Mason University has assured students that it will take enhanced precautions to maintain a safe and secure university community. Hassan has been barred from entering university property, and the university will take appropriate action on student code of conduct violations as criminal proceedings progress.
