A suspect was behind bars Monday in connection with an alleged domestic terrorism plot targeting multiple Southern California locations, according to multiple reports released ahead of a law enforcement news conference to discuss a counterterrorism probe.
Citing two unnamed law enforcement officials, the Los Angeles Times reported the suspect was arrested on domestic terrorism charges. One official said the alleged plot involved “multiple targets,” but declined to elaborate.
According to NBC News, the suspect is a former member of the U.S. military and voiced support for the terrorist group ISIS. He also allegedly discussed killing Los Angeles police officers and setting off explosives at the Santa Monica Pier and on local freeways, NBC News reported. According to the report, the man was placed under surveillance after posting online rants about the killings of Muslims in New Zealand mosques.
A host of local and federal law enforcement authorities will be holding a news conference at 1 p.m. to discuss the results of what they described as a counterterrorism investigation. Among those expected to take part are U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna, FBI Special Agent in Charge Ryan Young, Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore and representatives from other members of Joint Terrorism Task Force, including NCIS, the Long Beach Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.