LA Man Arrested for Alleged Plot to Attack Jewish Preschool
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Federal agents arrested Steven Carlos Duenas, 51, in Los Angeles on October 2nd for allegedly planning an attack on the JEMS Jewish preschool using Molotov cocktails. The investigation was triggered by his antisemitic social media posts, including references to 9/11 and threats against the preschool. During a search, agents found components for incendiary devices. Duenas's mother claims he suffers from severe mental health issues and substance abuse, suggesting his actions were a result of his condition. His next court hearing is set for November 10th.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Steven Carlos Duenas, 51, was arrested on October 2nd for allegedly planning an attack on a Jewish preschool in Los Angeles.
- Investigators cited Duenas's antisemitic social media posts, including references to 9/11, as a basis for the investigation.
- Agents found components for Molotov cocktails during a search of Duenas's home.
- Duenas's mother stated he suffers from severe mental health disorders and substance abuse.
- The next federal court hearing for Duenas is scheduled for November 10th.
Federal agents arrested 51-year-old Los Angeles resident Steven Carlos Duenas on October 2nd, suspecting him of planning a mass-casualty attack on the JEMS Jewish preschool, affiliated with the Chabad movement. According to the New York Post, investigators believe Duenas intended to use Molotov cocktails in his assault. A search of his home in the Los Feliz neighborhood, where he lived with his mother, uncovered components for incendiary devices, including a glass bottle filled with gasoline. The investigation was reportedly prompted by Duenas's antisemitic posts on social media platform X. On September 19th, he posted a photo of a suspected Molotov cocktail with a backdrop of the burning World Trade Center towers from the 9/11 attacks, accompanied by a call to action. He also posted another photo of a bottle, a video of incendiary components set to R.E.M.'s "It's the End of the World as We Know It," and expressed support for Yemen's Houthis. In other posts, Duenas commented on the insufficient number of synagogues burned and falsely claimed to have acquired Tomahawk missiles via Facebook Marketplace for an attack on the JEMS preschool.
During his arrest, agents also handcuffed Duenas's mother, Maria, who later attended his court hearing. Duenas appeared in court in handcuffs and shackles, visibly emotional. His mother told the New York Post that her son suffers from severe mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and deep depression, exacerbated by job loss, a failed marriage, and substance abuse. She described him as a kind child who attended church and had no history of antisemitism, recalling a past dispute over a fence with Jewish neighbors that did not involve animosity. Maria Duenas became distressed when questioned about the Molotov cocktail components, stating she couldn't believe it and that her son was not himself when making threats. She expressed a desire for him to receive treatment and find peace. The next federal court hearing is scheduled for November 10th.
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