NEW YORK–A 25 year-old Rochester resident was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Lutchman had planned to kill innocent civilians on New Year’s Eve in the name of the terrorist organization, according to Assistant Attorney General John Carlin.
“Thankfully, law enforcement was able to intervene and thwart Lutchman’s deadly plans,” Carlin said.
“This New Year’s Eve prosecution underscores the threat of ISIL even in upstate New York but demonstrates our determination to immediately stop any who would cause harm in its name,” said U.S. Attorney William Hochul. “What began as an ISIL directive to harm the community ended with the arrest of this defendant and a message for any other individuals considering similar behavior – you will be caught, you will be prosecuted, and you will be punished.”
According to court records, Lutchman, claiming to receive direction from an overseas ISIL member, planned to commit an armed attack against civilians at a restaurant/bar located in the Rochester, New York area on New Year’s Eve on behalf of ISIL, and to join the group overseas.
Lutchman made an appearance Thursday morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian Payson of the U.S. Western District of New York.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
