WASHINGTON — Federal authorities have charged a 21-year-old Pennsylvania man with receiving a firearm and ammunition intending to use them in a terrorism offense on behalf of the Islamic State, the Justice Department announced Tuesday.
Jonathan Hunter Kramer of Valencia, Butler County, was arrested over the weekend after FBI agents intercepted him returning to a hotel in Cranberry Township with rifle magazines and ammunition. A search of his hotel room and related locations recovered a semiautomatic rifle, approximately 190 rounds of ammunition, five magazines (two of them loaded), a bipod and scope, about 30 knives, pepper spray, an entrenchment tool, and a prayer rug.
According to the criminal complaint, Kramer had been using the online persona “Hamza Al Rashid,” pledged allegiance to ISIS, discussed distributing explosives manuals, and stated he was preparing for a “mission” but still needed a weapon.
How the Arrest Unfolded
Agents observed Kramer obtaining a disposable phone and a long bag before visiting a sporting-goods store. After he purchased additional ammunition, they stopped him and executed search warrants. He was taken into custody without incident.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau moved to stop the alleged plot before any attack could occur. “The subject in this case was allegedly plotting a violent attack in support of ISIS — engaging with ISIS propaganda online, building attack concepts, and repeatedly expressing extremist rhetoric — all while acquiring weapons believed to be in preparation of the attack,” Patel said.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Eisenberg stated that Kramer “appeared to be preparing for a mass shooting that could have taken many lives.”
Prior History
Court records indicate Kramer had previously been involved in a juvenile case involving an alleged mass-casualty plot and other serious allegations. He was released from a youth facility earlier this year. Authorities said online activity and tips brought him back onto the FBI’s radar in recent months.
Prosecutors are seeking detention without bond. A detention hearing was scheduled for Wednesday in federal court in Pittsburgh.
Context
The arrest comes shortly after the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that no specific target has been publicly identified. The case underscores continued domestic efforts to disrupt ISIS-inspired plots by individuals radicalized online.
Kramer faces a federal charge of receiving a firearm and ammunition knowing or having reasonable cause to believe they would be used to commit a federal crime of terrorism. Additional charges remain possible as the investigation continues.
FBI Director Kash Patel: “The subject in this case was allegedly plotting a violent attack in support of ISIS — engaging with ISIS propaganda online, building attack concepts, and repeatedly expressing extremist rhetoric — all while acquiring weapons believed to be in preparation of the attack.”
Source: U.S. Department of Justice statement, September 15, 2026.
