FBI Agents say they foiled a possible plot to intimidate or kill employees of a major US-based pro-Israel organization before the first night. hanukkahAccording to court documents reviewed by CBS News.
According to documents, a Gainesville, Florida man is accused of attempting to travel to the South Florida offices of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee on December 22 and 23 to search the area and later seize “hidden” firearms. Can be returned with. , Forrest Pemberton, who faces federal stalking charges, is accused of traveling to the organization's offices with the intent to “kill, injure, harass, and intimidate” people in the group.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, known as AIPAC, is a national advocacy organization that supports Israel-related issues in Congress and the White House.
Although charging documents do not specifically name AIPAC as the alleged target, the FBI affidavit identifies the victim as an organization with a similar mission statement to AIPAC and similar descriptions and language from the group's website. Reference is given. AIPAC also has a listed address in Plantation, Florida, where charging documents allege Pemberton was being targeted.
According to charging documents, Pemberton was tracked by law enforcement to a hotel less than two miles from AIPAC's Florida address on December 22 and later surveilled for several hours north in Tallahassee, Florida, on December 25. Was.
Prosecutors allege in their court filing that Pemberton was carrying three firearms, including an AR-style rifle and ammunition, in a rideshare vehicle when law enforcement officers stopped the vehicle on Dec. 25.
Alachua County Sheriff's Department
Prosecutors allege that on December 26, agents questioned Pemberton about his intentions. According to an FBI affidavit submitted by prosecutors, when Pemberton was asked if he was planning a “mass casualty” event, i.e. suicide, Pemberton reportedly responded, “Um, I don't really know if I would do it.” Was going to end up with my life or not. It depended entirely on whether I got caught or not. It was a way out.”
According to charging documents, Pemberton allegedly told agents, “The purpose of having the firearms was two-fold. Like I said before, sell them if I need to, but otherwise have them if I want, for criminal intent.” Can be used for.” Which was my intention, like harming another person.”
Prosecutors filed documents against Pemberton, alleging that he chose to target the organization “because of its political influence” and because of “frustration with the status quo.”
Justice Department Allegations are that Pemberton left a “goodbye” note, discovered by relatives, in which he endorsed “anti-rights statements” and called for “closing the loop” and “fanning the fire”. Relatives reported that Pemberton had left the home and that his AR-style rifle and other firearms were no longer in the home, prosecutors said in charging documents.
According to charging documents, Pemberton allegedly told agents that he had “finally” decided against taking criminal action” against the organization, adding “I was not ready. I gave up.”
Pemberton has been ordered held in pretrial custody until a hearing Monday in federal court in Gainesville, Florida.
An AIPAC spokesperson told CBS News, “We take these threats very seriously and we are working closely with law enforcement regarding this matter. We are committed to strengthening relations with Israel, America's valued ally.” We will not be intimidated by extremists in pursuing their mission. We deeply appreciate the work of the FBI to stop this individual.”
The Alachua County, Florida, Sheriff's Department released a booking photo of Pemberton on Tuesday and said Pemberton's arrest was made by the FBI.
An FBI spokesperson in Washington declined to comment to CBS News. A defense attorney assigned to Pemberton also did not comment.
