FALLS CHURCH, USA — A George Mason University student has been arrested and charged with plotting a “mass casualty attack” targeting the Consulate General of Israel in New York, federal authorities announced Friday, December 20, 2024.
Abdullah Ezzeldin Taha Mohamed Hassan, 18, was taken into custody this week by the FBI.
According to court documents, Hassan, a national of Egypt residing in Falls Church, Virginia, is accused of supporting ISIS and al-Qaeda and planning the attack while actively recruiting others to participate.
Investigation Details
The case began in May when the Fairfax County Police Department alerted the FBI to an X (formerly Twitter) account exhibiting “radical and terrorist-leaning behaviour.”
Investigators linked the account, and two others with similar content, to Hassan.
According to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Virginia, Hassan engaged with an undercover FBI informant starting in August.
Over several months, Hassan allegedly provided the informant with detailed instructions for carrying out an attack.
Hassan’s communications allegedly included bomb-making instructions, guidance on purchasing firearms, and instructions on preparing martyrdom and propaganda videos.
In mid-November, he allegedly shared a pro-ISIS video that called for violence against Jews and selected the Israeli consulate in New York as his target.
The affidavit states Hassan directed the informant to livestream the attack for dissemination through ISIS media channels and discussed plans to flee the country afterward.
Previous FBI Interaction
Hassan had been on the FBI’s radar since 2022 due to his online support for ISIS, according to the affidavit.
Despite this, he allegedly took measures to evade detection while continuing to express support for terrorist groups and planning attacks.
Charges and Custody
Hassan was arrested on Tuesday and charged with distributing information relating to explosives, destructive devices, and weapons of mass destruction in furtherance of a federal crime of violence.
He is being held at the Alexandria Adult Detention Center and has not yet entered a plea.
University Response
George Mason University confirmed that Hassan did not live on campus and was immediately barred from university property following his arrest.
“George Mason University continues to take enhanced precautions to maintain a safe and secure university community in light of the recent FBI arrest of one of its students,” the school said in a statement.
Legal and Immigration Status
Hassan, who was already in removal proceedings with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, faces serious federal charges in addition to immigration concerns.
The case of this international university student highlights the challenges authorities face in identifying and disrupting potential threats.
As criminal proceedings against Hassan progress, federal officials have commended the coordinated efforts that led to his arrest.
