Michael Hernandez
January 17, 2019•Update: January 17, 2019
By Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON
Authorities apprehended a Georgia man Wednesday who allegedly sought to attack the White House and other federal buildings in Washington, D.C.
Hasher Taheb, 21, is suspected of planning to use an anti-tank rocket and other explosives to attack the executive mansion and other "targets of opportunity," U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia BJay Pak told reporters.
Chris Hacker, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Atlanta field office, said Taheb was arrested on a tip from the community.
The tip, that Taheb had become radicalized, was originally given to local law enforcement who contacted federal investigators last March.
He has been charged with attempting to attack a federal building with an explosive following a nearly year-long undercover operation.
The suspect was apprehended after attempting to trade his car in for guns and explosives, according to multiple reports which cited court documents that were not immediately available.
Taheb allegedly made his plans known during meetings with a confidential informant and at least one undercover FBI agent.
He allegedly told the informant he wanted to perform "hijrah" in reference to his desire to travel to Daesh-controlled territory. But because he lacked a passport, he instead chose to plot an attack within the U.S., mulling attacks on the White House and the Statue of Liberty.
