Emanuel L. Lutchman, 26, of Rochester, New York, is headed to federal prison for 20 years after admitting he conspired to carry out a bloody machete and knife attack on civilians during New Year’s Eve 2015 — all to earn a spot in the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The sentence, handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, includes a staggering 50 years of supervised release, underscoring the gravity of the terror plot brewing in upstate New York.
Lutchman wasn’t just fantasizing—he was in direct contact with Abu Issa Al-Amriki, a now-deceased ISIL external attack planner and recruiter based in Syria. Federal prosecutors say Al-Amriki acted as a terror trainer, egging on Lutchman to conduct a mass-casualty attack in Rochester. The goal? To prove his loyalty to ISIL and fast-track his entry into the terrorist group once he made the move overseas. The plan wasn’t abstract: Lutchman specifically intended to use knives and a machete to slaughter civilians in a public setting.
According to court records, Lutchman didn’t hide his allegiance. He posted pro-ISIL content on social media, shared jihadist propaganda, and consumed videos from the radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki. His digital footprint was a roadmap to extremism—filled with copies of every issue of Inspire magazine, the terrorist group’s English-language recruitment tool, along with tactical documents meant to guide lone wolves in carrying out attacks on U.S. soil.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary B. McCord didn’t mince words: “Emanuel Lutchman conspired with an ISIL member located overseas and planned to kill innocent civilians on U.S. soil in the name of the terrorist organization.” She called the case a win for national security, crediting FBI agents, analysts, and prosecutors who dismantled the plot before it could turn deadly.
“This defendant was in direct personal communication with an individual who was an external attack planner and influential recruiter for ISIL in Syria,” said Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. “Together, the two discussed the defendant’s plan to conduct a murderous attack… essentially as a means of establishing his value as a future terrorist.” Kennedy emphasized that the sentence wasn’t just about punishment—it was about protection.
Adam S. Cohen, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo office, called Lutchman’s arrest “a good day for Rochester.” He reminded the public that the threat was real: Lutchman had accepted a direct order from Al-Amriki to kill multiple Americans. “Today ends the judicial process for this case,” Cohen said, “but the FBI continues to work hard to protect our communities.”
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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