GMU Student Arrested for Allegedly Plotting Mass Casualty Attack Targeting Jews
George Mason University (GMU) student Abdullah Ezzeldin Taha Mohamed Hassan, an 18-year-old Egyptian national, was arrested by the FBI for allegedly plotting a mass casualty attack targeting Jews. The plot specifically targeted the Consulate General of Israel in New York City. Hassan, who is majoring in information technology at GMU, was traced through his social media activity, which included posts revering Osama bin Laden and Ayman Al Zawahiri, and promoting violence against Jews.
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The FBI investigation began after a tipster reported an account linked to Hassan for engaging in radical and terrorist-leaning behavior on social media. This led to an undercover FBI informant posing as an extremist and communicating with Hassan, who allegedly recruited the informant to conduct the attack. Over several days in mid-November, Hassan provided the informant with information, including the address of the Consulate General of Israel, bomb-making instructions, and links to purchase weapons.In response to the arrest, GMU has barred Hassan from entering campus property and emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure university community. The university has taken enhanced precautions and is working closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. This incident follows another police action involving two GMU students whose home was searched in November, where authorities found weapons and materials calling for violence against Americans and Jewish people.The arrest of Hassan has shocked the GMU community, with many students expressing concern about the rise in radicalism and antisemitic incidents. The university has reassured students that it is actively working to keep them informed and safe, employing various safety measures and threat assessment teams.Overall, this incident highlights the ongoing threat of antisemitic violence and the importance of vigilant security measures on college campuses.