Authorities in Texas arrested a Jordanian man accused of planning an attack against the Jewish community. The FBI is using the case as an example of the growing risk of terrorist attacks in the country.
Sohaib Abuayyash, a 20-year-old Jordanian citizen faces charges of illegal possession of firearms and a series of accusations related to his apparent support for violent acts.
According to court documents obtained by FOX 26, the man arrived as a tourist in the United States on June 2, 2016, left a couple of months later, and returned in June 2019 with a Palestinian passport. Abuayyash lived illegally for several months before seeking asylum. However, that process was still pending at the time of his arrest. According to the New York Post, the man had work authorization until 2025, but his status did not allow him to own or use firearms.
The Jordanian citizen was already approved for employment authorization, but his status did not allow him to possess or use firearms.
The investigation into Abuayyash
The FBI's investigation into Abuayyash began in August when agents discovered images and videos of the man using and training with firearms. But concern increased when he gave clues that suggested he was planning to attack the Jewish community. It was then that a judge granted the arrest order.
"He has viewed specific and detailed content posted by radical organizations on the internet, including lessons on how to construct bombs or explosive devices," Federal Judge Christina Bryan said in the arrest warrant, adding that the defendant also made statements supporting the murders of people from "particular religious faiths." Abuayyash's arrest took place in the Houston area late last month.
A CNN police source claimed that Abuayyash was "plotting to attack a Jewish gathering."
FBI Director: Jordanian national arrested in Houston accused of "studying how to build bombs" https://t.co/xUvFkFIkVv
— FOX26Houston (@FOX26Houston) November 1, 2023
The FBI uses the case as an example
During a congressional hearing, FBI Director Chris Wray warned that the risk of terrorist attacks in the United States is growing.
Wray noted that while no credible threat from terrorist groups is being tracked at this time, the primary concern lies with individuals or small violent extremist groups taking inspiration from events in the Middle East to carry out attacks on U.S. soil, such as the case of the man arrested in Houston who had been "studying how to build bombs and posted online about his support for killing Jews."
Alert on the border for possible terrorist infiltrations
Recently, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Intelligence Division San Diego Field Office alerted its staff about the possibility that "foreign fighters motivated by ideology or mercenary soldiers of fortune may attempt to obfuscate travel to or from the U.S. to or from countries in the Middle East through Mexico."
Senator urges taking action in the face of increased risks
Republican Senator from Missouri, Josh Hawley, wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Alejandro Mayorkas, asking him to take action due to the increase in illegal immigrants linked to terrorism who are trying to enter the country at a delicate time worldwide.
It should be noted that in 2023, the number of arrests of terrorist suspects trying to enter the country broke a new record.
"It is imperative that you address this issue immediately to ensure the safety of American citizens, especially Jewish Americans, who are facing increased threats to their physical safety following the Hamas attack," Hawley said in his letter.
Jews buy weapons as a measure of protection
According to firearms instructors, the American Jewish community is increasingly concerned about its safety, which has led people who have never come into contact with guns before to acquire them and learn how to use them.
"These are mothers, teachers (...) people are nervous about what's going on and what can happen," said David Kowalsky, owner of Florida Gun Store in Hollywood, Florida.
