Two New Jersey Teens Arrested in Alleged IS-Inspired Plot to Bomb Gay Bars, Kill “500 Jews,” Prosecutors Say

Two 19-year-olds from an affluent New Jersey suburb were arrested this week after federal investigators say they plotted IS-inspired attacks in the U.S., including plans to bomb gay bars in Detroit and to kill Jewish people.

Who was arrested:

• Milo Sedarat, 19, of Montclair, N.J. — arrested at his family home.

• Tomas Kaan Jimenez-Guzel, 19 — taken into custody at Newark Liberty International Airport; prosecutors say he was en route to Turkey with the intent to travel on to Syria.

Allegations:
Federal prosecutors and law enforcement allege the men exchanged encrypted messages with others, discussed detailed travel and attack plans, and expressed allegiance to the Islamic State. Court filings and media reports cite statements by one defendant boasting of being “the biggest anti-Semite in America” and other messages about killing Jews and committing mass violence. Investigators say the plot aimed to mimic IS tactics and included talk of weapons, IEDs and tactics to evade law enforcement.

How it was stopped:
The FBI and NYPD’s intelligence bureau say the plot was uncovered and disrupted last week. Authorities arrested the suspects after tracing encrypted communications and monitoring travel preparations.

Official comment:
Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said the defendants “pledged themselves to IS and were plotting acts of terrorism in our country,” according to filings and statements. Local and federal agencies handled the arrest operations; numerous law-enforcement vehicles were seen at the Montclair home.

Background details reported:
Both defendants are described in court records and press reports as coming from well-off families and having been student-athletes. One defendant allegedly posted images with an IS flag; the other is reported to have posted violent, antisemitic messages and images with weapons. Neighbors expressed shock after the arrests.

Potential penalties:
If convicted on federal terrorism charges, the men face decades in prison and lengthy supervised release.

Ongoing case:
The investigation and prosecution are ongoing. Additional details, including possible co-conspirators and any formal indictments, could be released as the case moves forward.