Man arrested in connection with planned synagogue attack

An Ohio man has been arrested and charged in connection with plans to launch an attack on a synagogue in Toledo, according to Department of Justice officials.

Damon M. Joseph, 21, of Holland, Ohio, was charged in federal court with one count of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) for allegedly planning a synagogue attack. Joseph was arrested Friday after taking
possession of two semi-automatic rifles.

“Damon Joseph was allegedly inspired by ISIS’ call to violence and hate,” John C. Demers, assistant attorney general for National Security, said. “He planned to attack the victims, based on their religion, at a Toledo-area synagogue in the name of ISIS, and hoped that it would lead to the deaths of many and spread fear. His alleged actions would be an assault on the liberties and respect for humanity we hold so dear.”

Demers commended agents, analysts, and prosecutors who identified the threat posed by Joseph and took action to protect the public from his plans.

“This man spent months planning a violent terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS here in the United States and eventually targeted a Jewish synagogue in the Toledo area,” Justin E. Herdman, U.S Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, said. “The charges describe a calculated man fueled by an ideology of hatred and intent on killing innocent people. The FBI, our police, and Justice Department employees are to be credited for working to stop the defendant before he could act.”