Federal officials in Rochester, New York, have arrested and charged a man suspected of plotting a New Year’s Eve Islamic State-inspired attack at arestaurant.
Emanuel Lutchman, 25, was charged with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State, the Justice Department said Thursday.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to a court records, Mr. Lutchman planned to attack civilians at a restaurant and bar in Rochester on New Year’s Eve at the direction of an Islamic State militant with whom he was in communication. He reportedly planned to join the terrorist group overseas, the department said.
“The FBI thwarted Emanuel Lutchman’s intent to kill civilians on New Year’s Eve,” Adam Cohen, special agent in charge of the bureau’s Buffalo division, said in a statement.
“The FBI remains concerned about people overseas who use the Internet to inspire people in the United States to commit acts of violence where they live.”
New York and other major cities around the world were on edge under the threat of militant attacks on New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The New York Police Department said it would deploy 6,000 officers around Times Square for the traditional New Year’s ball drop, about 600 to 800 more officers than usual, Police Commissioner William J. Bratton said.
• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.
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