NEW YORK—A teenager is accused by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of plotting a terrorist attack on behalf of the Islamic terrorist group ISIS.
Awais Chudhary, a 19-year-old naturalized citizen from Pakistan, was arrested on Aug. 29. He was arraigned in Brooklyn the next day.
Chudhary allegedly planned to carry out a knife attack near his home in East Elmhurst, a plan he proposed to an undercover federal agent, according to court documents.
“As alleged, Awais Chudhary planned to kill innocent civilians on behalf of ISIS and record the bloodshed in the hope of inspiring others to commit attacks,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue.
— US Attorney EDNY (@EDNYnews) August 30, 2019
Sam Jacobson, the suspect’s attorney, requested that the judge release his client on a $100,000 bond. However, the judge denied the request and issued a permanent order of detention on Chudhary, deeming him a clear danger to the community.
Jacobson tried convincing the judge that Chudhary was not dangerous. He said his client was “just a kid,” adding that his plan to escape using a Razor scooter was enough to prove that this was just a childish plot.
The undercover agent learned that the teenager purchased a tactical knife, “khaki-colored pants, a mask, a strap, and gloves.” After reviewing an online retailer’s records, the agent confirmed the purchases which Chudhary allegedly planned to use in the attack.
Federal attorneys argued that the defendant also sent the agent videos of areas he allegedly intended to carry out the attack. Referring to a video depicting a bridge, Chudhary was quoted saying: “was thinking about simply throwing bucket bomb or several lightweight bombs at the car over the fencing but the problem is I do not know how to make them,” according to the document.
Another video he sent depicted what he called the “knife area.”
The judge noted the many cases where young people have committed grave crimes, referencing the Columbine massacre, which gave him reason enough to issue the permanent detention order.
Chudhary’s next court hearing is set for September.
“This Office, together with the FBI, the NYPD and all members of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force will continue working tirelessly to identify ISIS sympathizers like the defendant and prevent them from carrying out their murderous intentions,” stated USA Donoghue.
— US Attorney EDNY (@EDNYnews) August 30, 2019
