Pennsylvania Man Arrested for Alleged ISIS-Inspired Mass Casualty Plot
A 21-year-old Pennsylvania man was arrested Saturday on federal charges alleging he planned an ISIS-inspired mass casualty attack, authorities announced at a press conference Tuesday. Jonathan Kramer of Valencia was taken into custody outside a hotel in Cranberry Township, approximately 25 miles north of Pittsburgh, with a rifle, ammunition, and dozens of knives in his possession.
FBI Details “Imminent Threat” and Radicalization
Richard Evanchec, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, characterized the planned attack as an “imminent threat of violence inspired by ISIS.”
“Let me be clear about this threat: Jonathan Kramer demonstrated a sustained devotion to the Islamic State of Syria,” Evanchec said. “He recorded a pledge of allegiance to the same. Following that pledge, he made efforts to spread their propaganda and shared ways to kill all in the name of a foreign terrorist organization.”
United States Attorney Troy Rivetti stated it became clear that Kramer, a 2023 Mars Area High School graduate, was moving forward “with his radical ideology.” Officials did not disclose specific details regarding the timing or location of the alleged planned attack.
Surveillance Timeline Leads to Arrest
According to federal agents, surveillance on the morning of September 12 tracked Kramer leaving his home with a backpack. He took an Uber to a Walmart in Gibsonia, where he met another individual in the parking lot and retrieved a long black bag from the trunk—believed by agents to contain a rifle.
Kramer then traveled by Uber to a hotel in Cranberry Township, paying $450 in cash for a week’s stay. Agents observed him at the firearms counter of a Dunham’s Sports store before he returned to the hotel, where the FBI moved in and arrested him.
Weapons Cache and Evidence Recovered
Searches of Kramer’s hotel room and residence yielded a semi-automatic rifle, loaded rifle magazines, a rifle scope, boxes of ammunition totaling roughly 190 rounds, and 30 knives. Investigators also found a note stating, “I cant live In constant Fear,” according to court documents.
The FBI uncovered social media correspondence on encrypted platforms that indicated attack planning was underway.
“This defendant made repeated attempts to encourage and coordinate violence through encrypted platforms such as advising others on attack methods, discussing chemical poisons, vehicle attacks, drone delivery explosives and firearms-based assaults,” Evanchec said.
Public Cooperation Credited
Rivetti described the investigation as “covert” and emphasized the critical role of community involvement.
“We want to thank the individual who first reported this defendant’s dangerous and troubling behavior, as well as the other individuals who agreed to speak to law enforcement this weekend,” Rivetti said.
Rivetti noted that public cooperation is essential for law enforcement to “prevent horrific crimes from being committed in our community.”
“We hope this prosecution serves as a stark reminder to everyone of the importance of vigilance,” Rivetti said.
Elected Officials Respond
U.S. Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA), whose district includes Butler County, commended the investigative work.
“This disgusting, hate-filled extremism has no place in our nation,” Rep. Kelly said.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Kramer has been charged with one count of receipt or transfer of a firearm or ammunition knowing or having reasonable cause to believe such firearm or ammunition will be used to commit a felony or a federal crime of terrorism.
Officials confirmed that Kramer waived his right to a detention hearing but requested a preliminary examination hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
