California man arrested in foiled terror plot

Justice Department officials said a foiled terrorist plot has resulted in a Reseda, California, man’s arrest under an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation.

Authorities said Mark Steven Domingo, 26, was recently arrested after he received what he thought was a live bomb, but it was an inert explosive device delivered by an undercover law enforcement officer.

“Domingo, a former U.S. Army Infantryman, wanted to use improvised explosive devices against innocent civilians and he selected components that would make the bombs even more deadly to the victims he targeted,” John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, said. “His arrest today mitigates the threat he posed to others in the Los Angeles community. I want to thank the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this investigation and arrest.”

According to a 30-page affidavit in support of the complaint, since early March, Domingo “planned and took steps to manufacture and use a weapon of mass destruction in order to commit mass murder.”

A government affidavit maintained in online posts and conversations with an FBI source Domingo expressed support for violent jihad, a desire to seek retribution for attacks against Muslims and a willingness to become a martyr.

“The individual charged in this case wanted to carry out a mass casualty attack with explosive devices, and he moved very quickly from talking about violence to mobilizing to commit such an attack,” Michael McGarrity, assistant director of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, said. “This case should remind the public of the need to be vigilant and notify law enforcement if you see suspicious behavior.”