The student of the George Mason University, Abdullah Ezzeldin Taha Mohamed Hassanwas arrested by the FBI under serious accusations related to an alleged massive attack plan against the Israeli consulate in New York, reported CNN.
Hassan, an 18-year-old Egyptian citizen who was in his first year of studying information technology, faces multiple federal charges including the distribution of information about explosives, destructive devices and weapons of mass destruction, as well as the attempted murder of internationally protected persons.
The case caught the attention of the authorities due to a notice about his activity on social networks. According to court documents, the subject managed accounts on platforms such as Xwhere he shared content praising extremist figures such as Osama bin Laden y Ayman Al Zawahiri. Additionally, he promoted violent messages against the Jewish community and operated accounts that supported organizations such as ISIS y Al Qaeda.
FBI investigations traced these posts to devices linked to the defendant, confirming his online activity and presence on the Virginia university campus.
The agency deployed a key covert operation to thwart Hassan’s plans. An undercover agent FBIposing as an extremist sympathizer, established contact with Hassan, who allegedly attempted to recruit the agent to carry out the attack.
During several days of exchange, Hassan provided meticulous details about the plan, including instructions for making bombs, suggestions for weaponry such as assault rifles and explosive vests, and even the specific size of metal bearings to maximize the damage of the explosive.
Among the most compelling evidence are the defendant’s messages, which include the address of the Israeli consulate in Manhattan, ISIS propaganda videos that incited violence against Jews, and links to acquire materials used in attacks. In addition, Hassan planned detailed escape routes, indicating specific flights to Africa to evade authorities after the attack.
After Hassan’s arrest, the George Mason University issued a statement confirming that the student, who was in his first year in information technology, had been arrested by the FBI and immediately prohibited access to campus facilities.
Gregory Washingtonpresident of the university, emphasized in the statement that additional actions will be taken under the student code of conduct as the court proceedings progress.
The university also announced the reinforcement of police patrols on campus as part of security measures. This increase responds not only to Hassan’s case, but also to a context of tension after previous incidents related to student activism.
In recent weeks, two students involved in the group Students for Justice in Palestine They were banned from accessing the campus after a police search of their home, where weapons and anti-Semitic messages were found. Although the university noted that this case has no connection to Hassan’s arrest, the incident has sparked debates about the handling of security and student activism.
Abdullah Ezzeldin Taha Mohamed Hassan He faces a judicial process on serious charges that could lead him to spend up to 20 years in prison. The evidence presented by the FBI, including messages, videos and planning materials, will be decisive in the case.
Although Hassan was in deportation proceedings before his arrest, this procedure has been suspended until the criminal case is concluded. If convicted and given a prison sentence, he must serve his sentence in the United States before deportation proceedings resume.
Hassan’s arrest and the legal implications he faces come against a backdrop of tightening anti-terrorism laws in the United States, as well as an effort to respond to growing threats against specific communities. This case could also influence the debate over the surveillance of online activities and the limits of individual freedoms in national security contexts.
