Son of Boston Police Captain Charged in Terrorism Plot

A Massachusetts man has been arrested in connection with a terrorism plot on behalf of ISIL, according to United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz.

Alexander Ciccolo — also known as Ali Al Amriki — 23, of Adams, MA, was charged with being a felon in possession of firearms. Ciccolo is the son of a Boston Police captain, ABC News reported.

On July 4, Ciccolo received four guns that he had ordered from a person who was cooperating with the Western Massachusetts Joint Terrorism Task Force, according to a release. Ciccolo had spoken about plans to engage in a terrorist act, Ortiz’ office announced.

Ciccolo was arrested immediately after allegedly taking delivery of the guns, which included a Colt AR-15 .223 caliber rifle, a SigArms Model SG550-1, 556 caliber rifle, a Glock 17-9mm pistol, and a Glock 20-10 mm pistol. Ciccolo had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in jail and therefore was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Ciccolo is a supporter of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization, according to the complaint. He was recorded talking about his plans to set off improvised explosive devices, such as pressure cookers filled with black powder, nails, ball bearings and glass — similar to those ignited during the Boston Marathon bombing — in places where large numbers of people congregate, like college cafeterias. While searching his home, agents found several partially constructed “Molotov cocktails,” according to the release.

A detention hearing has been scheduled for July 14 at 3:30 p.m. in U.S. District Court in Springfield.The charge of being a felon in possession of firearms provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.