Pennsylvania man The Justice Department said that the man, who served briefly in the US Army, faces charges of trying to join the armed terrorist group Hezbollah in an attempt to “kill Jews.”
On Thursday, a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh indicted Jack Danaher Molloy, 24, on charges of traveling to Lebanon and Syria last year to join the Iran-backed group despite knowing it was a terrorist organization designated by the United States.
According to an affidavit, Molloy, a dual U.S. and Irish citizen, previously served on active duty status in ArmyHe tried to join the terrorist organization several times.
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Jack Danaher Molloy, 24, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of attempting to support the foreign terrorist organization Hezbollah and making false statements related to international terrorism to a United States department or agency. (Ministry of Justice)
The Justice Department said the 24-year-old He converted to Islam In 2024.
After his conversion, he contacted people in Lebanon while in the country in August 2024 about becoming a Hezbollah fighter, the Justice Department alleges. His contacts responded that the time was not right and that he would need to take further steps.
Mawlawi went to Syria in October 2024 and tried to join again. On his return flight to the United States, the Justice Department said he lied to FBI agents at Pittsburgh International Airport when he said he had no intention of joining Hezbollah, that he had no business in Syria, and that he had not met anyone there.
When he returned to the United States, he continued his attempts to join the organization, according to the Department of Justice.
Hezbollah terrorists train in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border. (AFP/Hassan Ammar)
Authorities allege that Mawlawi expressed hatred and encouraged violence Against the Jewish people Through social media.
An affidavit reviewed by Fox News Digital said Molloy posted anti-Semitic sentiments on social media.
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Court documents also revealed that he told a family member that his “main plan was to join Hezbollah and kill Jews.”
Jack Danaher Molloy faces a maximum sentence of 28 years in prison. (Ministry of Justice)
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While Molloy was living in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, he also allegedly visited a website detailing the potential prison location of Robert Bowers, who carried out the operation, the Justice Department said. Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh A shooting led to the death of 11 Jews.
If convicted, Molloy faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on the material support charge. For the false statements charges, he faces a maximum penalty of eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
