Hamas Terrorist Infiltrates U.S. Air Force, Arrested for Terrorist Plotting and Vandalism—A Significant Victory for Society in Combating Domestic Extremism

PITTSBURGH, PA — In a shocking turn of events, 23-year-old Mohamad Hamad, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Lebanon, has been arrested and charged for his involvement in plotting terrorist attacks while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Federal authorities announced his arrest after an extensive investigation, revealing Hamad’s deep ties to terrorist organizations Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as his plans to carry out violence in the United States.

Hamad, who admitted to being “a terrorist since he was a kid,” is facing up to 10 years in federal prison for multiple charges, including building and attempting to detonate homemade explosives, conspiring to carry out attacks, and making threats against Jewish communities in Pittsburgh. The arrest highlights a deeply troubling case of domestic terrorism that has raised concerns about national security and the security vetting process within the U.S. military.

The Plot and the Arrest

According to officials, Hamad had been planning a series of attacks with two associates — 24-year-old Talya Lubid and 22-year-old Micaiah Collins — who were also arrested in connection with the case. The trio allegedly plotted to target multiple sites in Pittsburgh, including Jewish locations, using pipe bombs and homemade explosives. Their targets included suburban neighborhoods, with Hamad bragging about terrorizing “white suburbia.”

Hamad had also defaced Jewish sites with anti-Semitic graffiti in a deliberate act of intimidation and hate, reinforcing his extremist views. The FBI’s investigation into Hamad’s activities began when agents intercepted disturbing communications and evidence of his radicalization, which included social media posts and private messages in which he expressed admiration for Hamas and Hezbollah, both known terrorist organizations.

Infiltration into the U.S. Air Force

One of the most alarming aspects of this case is Hamad’s ability to infiltrate the U.S. Air Force, where he sought to obtain top-secret clearances. Authorities revealed that Hamad had lied during the military recruitment process, concealing his ties to terrorist groups and his extremist beliefs. His intention to gain access to sensitive military information while planning domestic attacks raised serious concerns about the military’s vetting procedures.

Hamad’s efforts to join the Air Force were part of a larger plan to gain resources, knowledge, and connections to further his goals of violence. He was reportedly attempting to build a network of like-minded individuals within the military and civilian communities, making this case all the more chilling for national security officials.

Anti-Semitic Acts and Terrorist Ideology

Hamad’s extremist actions were not limited to plotting attacks. Federal officials revealed that he had also participated in acts of vandalism and hate crimes. Along with his co-conspirators, Hamad defaced Jewish community centers and other Jewish sites in Pittsburgh with anti-Semitic graffiti, further demonstrating his deep-rooted hatred for the Jewish community.

The vandalism and violent rhetoric were part of a larger campaign of extremism fueled by his admiration for terrorist organizations Hamas and Hezbollah. Hamad’s social media posts and online activities revealed that he had been actively supporting the groups’ anti-American and anti-Israeli stances, spreading their propaganda and celebrating their violent tactics.

Federal Charges and Potential Sentence

Hamad has been charged with several federal offenses, including conspiracy to commit terrorism, possession of illegal explosives, and hate crime charges related to his acts of vandalism and incitement of violence. He is facing up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted on all charges.

In a statement issued by the U.S. Department of Justice, officials condemned Hamad’s actions and vowed to pursue justice for the victims of his planned attacks:

“The arrest of Mohamad Hamad and his co-conspirators represents a significant victory in the ongoing fight against domestic terrorism. This case is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who seek to harm our communities, spread hate, and threaten national security,” said a spokesperson for the DOJ.

National Security Concerns and the U.S. Military

The case has raised significant questions about the military’s ability to screen recruits and prevent individuals with extremist ideologies from gaining access to critical national defense roles. Experts have called for a reevaluation of the recruitment and vetting processes in light of this case.

Hamad’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the U.S. Air Force, and military officials have vowed to conduct an internal review of how such an individual was able to gain access to the military and seek sensitive clearances.

Terrorism in the U.S. and Community Reactions

The arrest of Hamad has prompted concern in local communities, particularly the Jewish community in Pittsburgh, which has long been the target of anti-Semitic attacks and hate crimes. Local leaders have expressed their relief that the plot was thwarted before it could come to fruition, but they also emphasized the need for continued vigilance against extremist ideologies.

“We are grateful that law enforcement acted swiftly to prevent this individual and his associates from carrying out their hateful plans,” said a representative from the Pittsburgh Jewish Federation. “However, this case is a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism, and we must remain united in our efforts to combat extremism in all its forms.”

Next Steps in the Legal Process

Hamad and his co-conspirators are set to face trial in the coming months. The FBI and other federal agencies are continuing to investigate any potential networks or additional individuals who may have been involved in the plot. Prosecutors have indicated that they will pursue the maximum penalties for all those involved in this disturbing case.

As the case unfolds, federal officials continue to reassure the public that national security remains a top priority and that they are committed to dismantling terrorist networks, both foreign and domestic.

The arrest of Mohamad Hamad serves as a sobering reminder of the persistent threat posed by extremist individuals and groups, and it underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and swift action to protect U.S. citizens from terrorism on all fronts.

Further updates on the case will be provided as new details emerge.