PITTSBURGH, PA – A 24-year-old Pittsburgh man, Mustafa Mousab Alowemer, will spend more than 17 years behind bars after being sentenced yesterday to 208 months in federal prison for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, the brutal terrorist organization. Alowemer, who pleaded guilty on September 16, 2021, planned to unleash a devastating bombing on a church in Pittsburgh, fueled by a twisted devotion to ISIS ideology.
Federal prosecutors detailed how Alowemer wasn’t just a sympathizer, but an active plotter. He meticulously planned the attack, targeting a church on Pittsburgh’s north side with the intent of causing mass casualties. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen stated Alowemer “admitted to planning a deadly bombing… in the name of ISIS,” highlighting the seriousness of the threat. Alowemer specifically targeted what he described as a “Nigerian Christian” church, citing a desire for “revenge for our [ISIS] brothers in Nigeria.”
The operation was a chilling example of homegrown extremism thwarted by a coordinated law enforcement effort. According to court documents, Alowemer wasn’t acting alone – he believed he was communicating with a fellow ISIS supporter. In reality, he was dealing with an FBI employee. In May 2019, Alowemer shared detailed instructions on building explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) with this undercover operative, intending the information be used to construct a bomb for the planned attack.
The evidence painted a clear picture of Alowemer’s intent. He didn’t just share information; he took concrete steps to acquire the materials needed to build a destructive device. In June 2019, he purchased nails and acetone – nail polish remover – believing they were essential components for the bomb. He then met with the FBI operative on multiple occasions, culminating in a June 11th meeting where he provided the purchased materials and further details about his plot. He was fully aware the resulting explosion could kill numerous people.
U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung for the Western District of Pennsylvania lauded the work of the Pittsburgh Joint Terrorism Task Force, stating their efforts “thwarted” Alowemer’s dangerous plan. “Our office will continue to hold accountable individuals who threaten the safety of our communities,” she declared. Assistant Director Robert R. Wells of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the commitment to pursuing justice against those who seek to harm innocent civilians.
Alowemer’s sentence isn’t just about imprisonment; it includes a lifetime of supervised release following his 208-month prison term. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of radicalization and the importance of vigilance in protecting against terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. The Justice Department and the FBI vow to remain vigilant against those who would plot violent attacks in the name of extremist ideologies.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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