Weapon of Mass Destruction Arrest Made in Florida

A 23-year-old Key West man faces federal charges after the U.S. Department of Justice says he plotted to use a backpack bomb within the United States.

The arrest of Harlem Suarez, also known as Almlak Benitez, was announced by the DOJ Tuesday.

“According to the complaint, Harlem Suarez, a self-professed ISIL adherent, knowingly attempted to use a weapon of mass destruction - a backpack bomb - in the United States,” Assistant Attorney General John P. Carlin was quoted in a media release as saying. “Stopping attacks on our homeland by those inspired or directed by designated foreign terrorist organizations is the highest priority of the National Security Division.”

Suarez initially came to the attention of the FBI through Facebook posts. The DOJ said the posts “contained extremist rhetoric and promoted the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.”

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The complaint against Suarez alleges he told a confidential source he wanted to devise a “timer bomb.” Suarez is accused of purchasing the components for the device, which was meant to contain galvanized nails. The device was intended to be placed inside a backpack with a detonator that could be set off remotely using a cellphone.

Suarez, the media release stated, took possession of an inert device on Monday and was subsequently arrested. he was charged with knowingly attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction against a person or property within the United States. If convicted, Suarez could face life in prison.

This is the second time in recent months an ISIL-related arrest has occurred in Florida. Earlier this year, a man was arrested in Jacksonville, accused of trying to provide material support to the terrorist organization.

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