WASHINGTON\u2014Harlem Suarez, also known as Almlak Benitez, 23, of Key West, Florida, was charged by a criminal complaint with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction against a person or property within the United States.<\/p>\n
\u201cAccording to the complaint, Harlem Suarez, a self-professed ISIL adherent, knowingly attempted to use a weapon of mass destruction\u2014a backpack bomb\u2014in the United States,\u201d said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. \u201cStopping attacks on our homeland by those inspired or directed by designated foreign terrorist organizations is the highest priority of the National Security Division.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe top priority of the Department of Justice is to protect the security of the American people,\u201d said U.S. Attorney Ferrer. \u201cThe U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office, in collaboration with the FBI, works tirelessly to advance this mission by continuing to thwart home-grown acts of terrorism.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no room for failure when it comes to investigating the potential use of a weapon of mass destruction,\u201d said Special Agent in Charge Piro. \u201cThe FBI and our local, state and federal partners work around the clock to prevent such catastrophic weapons from being used against our citizens. Even so, we ask the public to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the complaint, in April 2015, Suarez came to the attention of the FBI due to Facebook posts that contained extremist rhetoric and promoted the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.<\/p>\n
The complaint further alleges that Suarez told the confidential source that he wanted to make a \u201ctimer bomb.\u201d Suarez purchased components for this device, which was to contain galvanized nails, be concealed in a backpack and be remotely detonated by a cellphone. Suarez intended to bury the device at a public beach in Key West and then detonate it.<\/p>\n
On July 27, 2015, Suarez took possession of an inert device and was arrested.<\/p>\n