ISIS Hopeful Arrested In Montana For Threatening To Possibly Attack A Synagogue

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
(JTA) — An Albanian national with U.S. citizenship was arrested after he told a federal informant that he wanted to join ISIS and plan a terror attack on one of several possible locations, including a synagogue.
After he heard about the attacks on two mosques in New Zealand he was inspired to “attack random people” out of revenge.
Fabjan Alameti, 21, of New York, was arrested in Montana last week, for being in possession of a weapon, an air rifle, while using drugs, in this case marijuana.
Beginning in January, Alameti spoke with a federal informant about fighting with ISIS and plotting an attack in the U.S. against a military facility, recruitment center, government building, “gay club,” or Jewish temple, FBI Special Agent Matthew Duermeier said in a sworn statement filed with the U.S. Magistrate’s Court in Helena, Montana, The Associated Press reported.
He later said he would not carry out an attack in the U.S. because the country had granted him citizenship, the statement also said.
Last month he moved to Montana due to family issues, and because it is easier to buy a gun in the state, he told the informant.
He was ordered held for continued judicial proceedings.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
