New York terror plot foiled: Suspected ISIS supporter accused of New Year's Eve attack
A SUSPECTED Islamic State (ISIS) supporter has been arrested in New York after the FBI foiled an alleged plot to carry out a terrorist attack in a restaurant on New Year's Eve.
Police in Times Square, New York
Emanuel Lutchman, 25, appeared in court charged with attempting to provide material to support Islamic State over an alleged plan to kills diners with knives and a machete.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
He planned to kill innocent civilians on New Year’s Eve
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin said: “According to the complaint, as part of Emanuel Lutchman’s attempt to provide material support to ISIL, he planned to kill innocent civilians on New Year’s Eve in the name of the terrorist organization.
“Thankfully, law enforcement was able to intervene and thwart Lutchman's deadly plans.”
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin
A criminal complaint against Lutchman, who appeared in U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York today, described him as a "self-professed Muslim convert with a criminal history dating back to approximately 2006"
It said Lutchman, who reportedly suffers from mental health issues, expressed support for ISIS, also known as Daesh, in telephone conversations with a paid informant in November and December.
Security has been ramped up in New York
According to court records Lutchman, claiming to receive direction from an overseas ISIS member, planned to commit an armed attack against civilians at a restaurant located in the Rochester, New York, area today, New Year’s Eve on behalf of ISIS and in furtherance of his plan to join ISIS overseas.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Rochester Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Thousands of people are expected to mark New Year's Eve at Times Square in New York.
Lutchman appeared in court today