A Boston Police Captain’s Son Planned To Attack A University For ISIS

ISIS has made no secret about its desire to recruit lone wolf attackers inside the United States, and in response, the FBI has been working overtime to catch potential terrorists before they strike. According to FBI Director James Comey, at least 10 ISIS supporters were arrested over the past six weeks, some of whom allegedly planned on carrying out Fourth of July attacks.

Details on those arrested and what they planned to do are still sketchy, but one case stands out: That of Alexander Ciccolo, the son of a Boston police captain. Via Mashable:

Robert Ciccolo, the suspect’s father, is a Boston Police captain who, according to WHDH, is in charge of the city’s 911 call center and was a first responder following the Boston Marathon bombing. The father and son have reportedly been estranged for some time and reports indicate that the elder Ciccolo was the one who alerted the FBI to his son’s interest in ISIS, though the court document only refers to a “close acquaintance.”

In a statement, the family said: “While we were saddened and disappointed to learn of our son’s intentions, we are grateful that authorities were able to prevent any loss of life or harm to others. At this time, we would ask that the public and the media recognize our grief and respect our desire for privacy.”

Alexander Ciccolo (also known as Ali Al Amriki, after converting to Islam) was arrested on firearms charges after being found with a .223 Colt AR-15 rifle, a 556 Sig Arms SG550 rifle, a 9mm Glock 17 handgun, and a 10mm Glock 20 handgun. According to the FBI, he had expressed a desire to fight for ISIS overseas and had told at least one witness of a plan to carry out a Boston Marathon-style bombing at an unnamed university. The FBI moved in and arrested Ciccolo after he was observed buying pressure cookers from Wal-Mart.

(via Mashable)