LA Man Arrested for Alleged Plot to Attack Jewish Preschool

Investigators launched the inquiry after Duenas made a series of antisemitic and threatening posts on the social media platform X in mid-September. His posts included a photo of a suspected Molotov cocktail against a backdrop of the September 11 attacks, a video set to an R.E.M. song expressing support for Yemen's Houthi terrorist organization, and statements such as "Not enough synagogues have burned" and "maybe I'll bomb the preschool later."

During a search of the Los Feliz home Duenas shares with his mother, federal agents discovered materials for making Molotov cocktails, including a glass bottle filled with gasoline and fuel. Duenas appeared in court in handcuffs, crying, and mouthed "I love you" to his mother. His next federal court hearing is scheduled for November 10th.

His mother, Maria Duenas, told reporters that her son has suffered from severe mental health deterioration, including mania, depression, schizophrenia, and substance abuse. She attributed his decline to job loss and divorce, expressing hope for his rehabilitation.