Ex-Air Guard Member Charged in Disturbing Antisemitic Plot and Bombing Scheme

A Pennsylvania Air National Guardsman is facing serious federal charges after allegedly engaging in bomb-making activities and promoting extremist violence, all while pretending to uphold loyalty to the United States. The accusations include the vandalism of a Jewish synagogue.

This week, a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh announced a nine-count indictment involving three residents from the region. Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti confirmed the details.

The indictment identifies the defendants as Mohamad Hamad, 23, from Coraopolis; Talya A. Lubit, 24, from Pittsburgh; and Micaiah Collins, 22, also from Pittsburgh.

Previous Indictments and Additional Charges

Hamad and Lubit had previously been indicted for allegedly defacing Jewish religious property in an act linked to pro-Palestinian sentiment. In a concerning spree of vandalism, they reportedly painted anti-Israel graffiti on multiple occasions.

Details of the Indictment

According to court documents, Hamad enlisted in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard in 2023, joining the 171st Maintenance Squadron near Pittsburgh International Airport. He sought a top-secret security clearance as part of his military commitment.

During his background check, which included three in-person interviews, Hamad allegedly reflected a series of lies, claiming that his ultimate loyalty was to America. However, evidence reveals a starkly different reality.

While attempting to secure his military position, Hamad actually expressed deep-seated hostility towards the United States. In private messages, he even wrote phrases like “It’s still Palestine on top though make no mistake” and prefaced that America could “lick my a–.” He expressed a desire to learn combat skills to defend Lebanon and Palestine, declaring them as his true allegiance.

Escalation of Violent Activities

Throughout late 2023 and into 2024, while training in the military, Hamad reportedly began sharing violent pro-Hamas videos, idolizing terrorist attacks and commending Hamas fighters as \