LOS ANGELES (CNS) – A suspect was behind bars today in connection with
an alleged domestic terrorism plot targeting multiple Southern California
locations, according to multiple reports released ahead of a law enforcement
news conference to discuss a counterterrorism probe.
Citing two unnamed law enforcement officials, the Los Angeles Times
reported the suspect was arrested on domestic terrorism charges. One official
said the alleged plot involved “multiple targets,” but declined to elaborate.
According to NBC News, the suspect is a former member of the U.S.
military and voiced support for the terrorist group ISIS. He also allegedly
discussed killing Los Angeles police officers and setting off explosives at the
Santa Monica Pier and on local freeways, NBC News reported. According to the
report, the man was placed under surveillance after posting online rants about
the killings of Muslims in New Zealand mosques.
A host of local and federal law enforcement authorities will be
holding a news conference at 1 p.m. to discuss the results of what they
described as a counterterrorism investigation. Among those expected to take
part are U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna, FBI Special Agent in Charge Ryan Young, Los
Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore and representatives from other members of
Joint Terrorism Task Force, including NCIS, the Long Beach Police Department
and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.