LA Man Arrested for Plotting Attack on Chabad Preschool
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Federal agents arrested Los Angeles resident Steven Carlos Duenas for allegedly planning an attack on a Chabad preschool. Investigators found bomb-making materials and noted online posts containing threats and extremist rhetoric. Duenas's mother stated he suffers from severe mental health issues, including schizophrenia and depression, and attributed his actions to job loss and divorce. A court hearing is scheduled for November 10.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Steven Carlos Duenas was arrested by FBI agents for allegedly planning an attack on a Chabad preschool in Los Angeles.
- Investigators found bomb-making materials, including gasoline and bottles for Molotov cocktails, in Duenas's home.
- Duenas allegedly posted threats online, including "Not enough synagogues have burned" and "maybe I'll bomb the preschool later."
- His mother claims he suffers from severe mental health issues, including schizophrenia and depression.
- Duenas's next court appearance is scheduled for November 10.
Federal agents arrested Steven Carlos Duenas, a 51-year-old Los Angeles resident, on suspicion of planning a mass casualty event at the "JEMS" Jewish preschool affiliated with Chabad.
During a search of Duenas's home, where he lives with his mother, authorities discovered materials intended for making Molotov cocktails, including a glass bottle filled with gasoline. The federal investigation focused on a series of posts Duenas made on X (formerly Twitter) in mid-September. In one post, he displayed a Molotov cocktail against a backdrop of the 9/11 attacks, with the caption "Don't just watch the war, take part in it." Other posts included a video with the song by R.E.M. playing and the text "I love my Houthi brothers," along with direct threats such as "Not enough synagogues have burned" and "I got some Tomahawk missiles on Facebook Marketplace, maybe I'll bomb the preschool later."
During his detention hearing, Duenas appeared in court in handcuffs, crying, and mouthed "I love you" to his mother. His next court date is scheduled for November 10. His mother, Maria Duenas, stated that her son has suffered a severe mental decline, experiencing mania, schizophrenia, and deep depression. She attributed his struggles to losing his job as a social worker and his divorce, which led to severe alcohol and medication addiction. She rejected claims of inherent antisemitism and expressed hope for his treatment and rehabilitation.
