Pittsburgh-area trio, including National Guardsman, indicted for defacing Jewish synagogue
A former Pennsylvania Air National Guardsman and two alleged co-conspirators have now been indicted for defacing a Jewish synagogue with 'anti-Zionist graffiti' in the Pittsburgh area in 2024.
U.S. prosecutors said a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh returned a superseding indictment against three Pittsburgh-area residents on charges of conspiracy, defacing and damaging a religious building, making false statements in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive branch of the United States, and possession of destructive devices, Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti said.
The nine-count superseding indictment named Mohamad Hamad, 23, of Coraopolis; and Tayla A. Lubit, 24, and Micaiah Collins, 22, both of Pittsburgh, as defendants.
According to the superseding indictment, Hamad enlisted with the U.S. Air Force in 2023 and sought a top secret security clearance, while being stationed in Moon Township.
Around the same time, Hamad was also expressing support for Hezbollah and Hamas – and an investigation showed Hamad and Collins were conspiring to manufacture pipe bombs, federal prosecutors said.
'The FBI and our partners are committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who reportedly choose to lie about being loyal to this country and instead engage in dangerous, menacing and illegal activities,' said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek.
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