Air Guardsman who made vile comment about America charged in antisemitic attack and bomb-making plot
Share and Follow

A Pennsylvania Air National Guardsman, once trusted with America’s security, is facing federal charges after allegedly building explosives, promoting extremist violence and vandalizing a Jewish synagogue, all while lying about his loyalty to the U.S.

A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh returned a nine-count indictment against three Pittsburgh-area residents, acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced this week. 

The indictment names Mohamad Hamad, 23, of Coraopolis; Talya A. Lubit, 24, of Pittsburgh; and Micaiah Collins, 22, of Pittsburgh, as defendants. 

Hamad and Lubit had previously been indicted for their roles in allegedly defacing Jewish religious property with pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel graffiti.

In reality, court documents show Hamad privately celebrated terrorist groups and expressed deep hostility toward America. In messages, he stated, “It’s still Palestine on top though make no mistake,” and “let America lick my a–.” He declared that Lebanon and Palestine were “number 1” in his heart and said he wanted to learn combat skills to protect them​.

Throughout late 2023 and 2024, while attending military training, Hamad allegedly shared violent pro-Hamas videos, glorified terrorist attacks and praised Hamas fighters as “freedom fighters,” according to the indictment​.

Funeral procession for Hamas fighters with social media caption expressing desire for martyrdom.

A social media post allegedly shared by Mohamad Hamad shows a Hamas funeral procession with text expressing jealousy of fallen fighters and a wish to “fight and die,” according to court documents.  (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Pennsylvania)

The indictment further alleges that, during this same period, Hamad conspired with co-defendant Collins to manufacture and possess destructive devices. They allegedly purchased materials like potassium perchlorate and aluminum powder, built explosives including pipe bombs and detonated them during testing​.

One chilling conversation captured Hamad admitting he was “actually scared” of the bomb he built, while Collins excitedly discussed the potential to “take bros ankles.”

Hamad’s actions were not limited to building bombs. On social media, he openly posted images supporting Hamas operatives, expressed envy of jihadists killed in action and posted threats such as, “I can’t wait until the day Muslims kill you. I would be so happy…”​

In a separate conspiracy, Hamad and Lubit allegedly targeted Chabad of Squirrel Hill, a synagogue and Jewish educational center in Pittsburgh. Wearing a Hamas-style headband, Hamad conducted surveillance of the synagogue. Lubit later allegedly spray-painted “Jews 4 Palestine” along with a red inverted triangle — a symbol used by Hamas to mark targets — onto the synagogue’s exterior​.

Assault rifle with a social media caption expressing violent intent toward "Zionist oppressors."

In this undated photo from court documents, defendant Mohamad Hamad allegedly posted a picture of an assault rifle on social media with a caption that said “each bullet in this mag[azine] kisses the foreheads of the Zionist oppressor,” according to a federal indictment. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Pennsylvania)

In encrypted messages, Lubit chillingly stated, “I can literally feel myself starting to see Jews as my enemies,” according to the indictment​.

Federal investigators later linked Hamad and Lubit to additional vandalism of a Jewish Federation sign nearby, further escalating community concerns about targeted antisemitic threats.

“As alleged in the Superseding Indictment, Mohamad Hamad lied about his loyalty to the United States, among other false statements, in an attempt to obtain a Top-Secret security clearance,” Rivetti said. “During that time, he openly expressed support for Lebanon, Hezbollah and Hamas.” 

Rivetti emphasized that his office remains “resolute” in safeguarding the Jewish community and the public​.

“Protecting the American people is spelled out in the Mission of the FBI. That includes all our communities,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. He vowed the FBI remains committed to investigating individuals who engage in “dangerous, menacing and illegal activities.”

Homemade explosive device built from spray paint cans and a fuse.

An image from court evidence shows a makeshift explosive device composed of spray paint cans and a fuse, allegedly manufactured by the defendants. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Pennsylvania)

The law provides for maximum penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for Hamad, five years and a $250,000 fine for Collins and one year and a $100,000 fine for Lubit, depending on the seriousness of the offenses and any prior criminal history.

Assistant U.S. attorneys Nicole Vasquez Schmitt and Carolyn J. Bloch are prosecuting the case with assistance from the Department of Justice National Security Division. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Dalai Lama turns 90, gets global support in challenge for China

Dalai Lama celebrates 90th birthday with worldwide support amidst tensions with China

The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama, turned 90 on…
Lizzo channels Baywatch star Pamela Anderson in iconic red swimsuit

Lizzo pays homage to Pamela Anderson from Baywatch in famous red bathing suit.

Lizzo channeled the Baywatch icon Pamela Anderson in a red, one-piece swimsuit…
Leander woman shows the tree she climbed to survive floods during the early morning hours of July 5, 202

Texas woman recounts surviving in a tree after being swept away by floods with the presence of God

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) A Texas woman says she and her family, after…
Israel sends negotiating team to Qatar for ceasefire talks

Israel Dispatches Peace Delegation to Qatar for Ceasefire Negotiations

U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed for an agreement and will host…
What to drink over coffee... after study finds it may cause blindness

Alternatives to Coffee: Options to Consider After Study Suggests Link to Blindness

If you can’t get through the day without a dose of caffeine…
Texas flash flood aftermath: Nearly a dozen campers and counselor still missing

The aftermath of a flash flood in Texas: Almost 12 campers and counselor are still missing

Dozens of people have been killed since raging floodwaters slammed a portion…
Southern town sheds 'dirty' image to become hotspot for retirees

Small town in the South improves reputation to attract retiring people

The South Carolina town once known as ‘Dirty Myrtle’ after its infamous…
Bodies of all 7 missing found at a California fireworks warehouse that exploded

7 missing individuals located at California fireworks warehouse explosion site

ESPARTO, Calif. (AP) Authorities in Northern California have found the bodies of…