Crackpot dope in Ohio arrested for half-assed terror plot. Well, I'm sure the 24-hour news media won't blow this out of proportion at all...
— Ron Marz (@ronmarz) January 14, 2015
On January 14, the FBI arrested Christopher Cornell for plotting to bomb the U.S. Capitol and then fire upon those who fled from the buildings. According to the complaint filed against him, Cornell, who was using the alias Raheel Mahrus Ubaydah, supported the Islamic State and sought to wage jihad against the U.S. This is the 63rd successful or foiled Islamist terrorist plot against the United States since 9/11 and continues the trend of homegrown terrorism.How is this not serious news? My parents have some old friends living in northern Ohio who're glad this news was reported and that the FBI arrested the monster. His parents have also hinted they're responsible for his modern mentality:
In light of this plot and the recent Islamist terrorist attack in Paris, it is clear that the U.S. cannot simply wish away the threat of terrorism at home and abroad. Despite rhetoric about the defeat of al-Qaeda, the insignificance of ISIS, and the end of the war on terror, the reality is that the threat of terrorism remains. The U.S. cannot merely be content with its existing counterterrorism efforts, but must look to improve and build on these efforts to keep the U.S. safe.
The Plot
The criminal complaint filed by the FBI against Cornell states that he created Twitter accounts in the summer of 2014 and began posting statements and videos supportive of ISIS as well as voicing support for violent jihad and acts of terrorism around the world.[1] The FBI used a confidential informant to reach out to Cornell and investigate his intentions. In August, Cornell wrote an instant message to the informant in which he stated, “I believe we should just wage jihad under our own orders and plan attacks and everything.… [W]e already got a thumbs up from the Brothers over there and Anwar al Awlaki before his martyrdom and many others.”[2]
These messages led to an in-person meeting between Cornell and the informant in October in which Cornell described his need for weapons and his desire to attack but without specific details. In a second meeting in November, Cornell identified the Members of Congress as enemies and specified that he sought to build and plant pipe bombs near the U.S. Capitol and then shoot those fleeing the scene. Cornell showed the informant research on government buildings, the construction of pipe bombs, and the acquisition of firearms. After saving money, Cornell put his plan into motion on January 14, purchasing two semi-automatic rifles and around 600 rounds of ammunition from a store in southern Ohio. He was then arrested before the public was put in danger.
In addition to his exposure to radical Islam online, Cornell appears to have gotten a dose of anti-government rhetoric at home. His father, John Cornell, espoused conspiracy theories in an interview with The Enquirer, opining about the influence of the Illuminati and claiming the Catholic Church is involved in drug trafficking. He said he doesn't believe his son will get a fair shake from the FBI or the federal courts.I suppose Marz thinks this kind of upbringing isn't disturbing either? He goes on to complain about his ability to buy firearms:
"He isn't going to get any justice," John Cornell said. "I have no faith in this country." [...]
He said his son spent the past few years trying to find himself, experimenting with politics, religion and life-style changes. He tried becoming a vegetarian, embraced conspiracies about the 9/11 terrorist attacks and later called himself an "anarchist." Eventually, according to the FBI, he developed a strong interest in radical Islam.
In 2013, police say, Cornell showed up at a Green Township memorial service for victims of 9/11. He stood silently and carried a sign that read, "9/11 was an inside job."
But crackpot terrorist dope could freely buy semi-auto rifles and lots of ammo, so ... yay for Second Amendment? http://t.co/KPlfvIQnqS
— Ron Marz (@ronmarz) January 14, 2015
However, "racecar driver says his ex-girlfriend is a trained assassin" is still the best story of the day. http://t.co/pRSUCdpdqP
— Ron Marz (@ronmarz) January 14, 2015
To be fair, I would be a LOT more interested in NASCAR if there was increased involvement of trained assassins.
— Ron Marz (@ronmarz) January 14, 2015
Oh, I see now. #TedCruzCrimes is about conservatives trying to do the humors.
— Ron Marz (@ronmarz) January 15, 2015