Pennsylvania Man Arrested for Alleged ISIS Attack Plot With Rifle
WHO:
WTAE - Jonathan Hunter Kramer, a 21-year-old man from Valencia, Pennsylvania, was arrested.
WTAE - Richard Evanchec, FBI Pittsburgh special agent in charge, commented on the case.
WTAE - U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti provided information regarding the investigation.
WTAE - Shawn Brokos, director of community security for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, issued a statement.
WTAE - U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, whose district includes Butler County, praised law enforcement efforts.
WHAT:
WTAE - Kramer is charged with receiving a firearm and ammunition, "knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the firearm and ammunition would be used to commit a felony or a federal crime of terrorism."
Fox News US - Kramer was found in possession of 190 rounds of ammunition, differing from the previously reported 130 rounds.
WTAE - Kramer is charged with receiving a firearm and ammunition for the purpose of committing a felony or federal crime of terrorism.
WTAE - Kramer was found in possession of a semi-automatic rifle, 130 rounds of ammunition, three 30-round capacity rifle magazines, two loaded rifle magazines, a rifle bipod, and a scope.
WTAE - A note found with Kramer read, "Don’t look for me. IDK what I did but I can’t live in constant fear."
Fox News US - Kramer allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS and acquired a semi-automatic rifle before his arrest.
WHERE:
WTAE - Kramer was tracked to a Walmart parking lot in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania.
WTAE - He was later stopped at the Cranberry Park Hotel in Butler County, Pennsylvania.
WHEN:
WTAE - The FBI tracked Kramer to the Walmart parking lot on a Saturday.
WTAE - On September 9, Kramer expressed his intent to prepare for his "mission."
WHY:
WTAE - Authorities revealed that Kramer was known to the FBI after serving time in a juvenile facility for his role in plotting a mass casualty event and for possessing child sexual abuse material.
WTAE - Kramer demonstrated a sustained devotion to the Islamic State of Syria and made efforts to spread their propaganda.
WTAE - He allegedly sought to carry out a mass casualty attack against the American people.
HOW:
WTAE - An anonymous report was made to the FBI in March of this year, furthering the current investigation.
WTAE - Kramer communicated via an encrypted app under an online persona and expressed intentions to synthesize deadly chemicals like ricin or cyanide.
WTAE - He mentioned plans to inject these chemicals into food and drink at grocery stores and food events, particularly targeting synagogues.
(UPDATED September 16, 2026 02:01 UTC)
Kramer has been charged with receiving a firearm and ammunition, with authorities stating he knew or had reasonable cause to believe they would be used to commit a felony or a federal crime of terrorism. He was found in possession of 190 rounds of ammunition, which is an increase from the previously reported 130 rounds. The FBI had prior knowledge of Kramer due to his history, including serving time in a juvenile facility for plotting a mass casualty event and possessing child sexual abuse material, following an anonymous report made to the agency in March.
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(UPDATED September 16, 2026 01:59 UTC)
Jonathan Hunter Kramer, a 21-year-old from Valencia, Pennsylvania, has been arrested and is facing serious charges for allegedly receiving a firearm and ammunition with the intent to commit a federal crime of terrorism. Authorities found him in possession of a semi-automatic rifle, over one hundred rounds of ammunition, and a note expressing his fear and confusion, while he reportedly pledged allegiance to ISIS and communicated plans to carry out a mass casualty attack. The FBI tracked him to a Walmart parking lot in Gibsonia before stopping him at a hotel in Butler County, where he was allegedly preparing to use deadly chemicals in food and drink to target synagogues and other locations.