The U.S. Justice Department says authorities have arrested a New York state resident accused of planning to kill civilians on New Year's Eve in the name of the Islamic State group.
A statement says Emanuel L. Lutchman, 25, was charged with attempting to provide material support to IS during an initial court appearance Thursday morning.
According to court records, the statement said, "the defendant, claiming to receive direction from an overseas [Islamic State] member, planned to commit an armed attack against civilians at a restaurant/bar located in the Rochester, New York, area."
Assistant U.S. Attorney General John Carlin confirmed the attack plan was timed to take place later Thursday, but said, “Thankfully, law enforcement was able to intervene and thwart Lutchman's deadly plans."
The FBI's top agent in western New York state, Adam Cohen, said that while the alleged New Year's Eve plot was thwarted, the bureau "remains concerned about people overseas who use the Internet to inspire people in the United States to commit acts of violence where they live.”
News of the arrest followed reports from around the world that security precautions were tightened in many cities to protect New Year's celebrations.
