A man who planned to attack New Year's Eve party-goers in Rochester, New York, has been arrested and charged with "attempting to provide material support" to the ISIS terror group, federal investigators said Thursday.
Emanuel L. Lutchman, 25, "planned to kill innocent civilians on New Year's Eve in the name of the terrorist organization." U.S. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Carlin said. "Thankfully, law enforcement was able to intervene and thwart Lutchman's deadly plans."
Court records made public said Lutchman "claiming to receive direction from an overseas ISIL member, planned to commit an armed attack against civilians at a restaurant/bar located in the Rochester, New York, area today, New Year's Eve on behalf of ISIL and in furtherance of his plan to join ISIL overseas."
Read the full federal complaint against Lutchman here.
Lutchman made his first court appearance Thursday morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson of the U.S. Western District of New York.
"What began as an ISIL directive to harm the community ended with the arrest of this defendant and a message for any other individuals considering similar behavior - you will be caught, you will be prosecuted, and you will be punished," said U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. "While law enforcement is well equipped for such investigations, the public is reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. I assure members of the public that the excellent work of our law enforcement partners with the cooperation of the public is the best way to ensure the safety of our community."
CNN reported that Lutchman recorded a video pledging allegiance to ISIS on Wednesday. Lead Stories found a YouTube account created a year ago and registered in the name of Emanuel Lutchman that favorited a long list of anti-American, pro-Islamic videos.
