A neo-nazi planned to carry out a horrific antisemitic massacre at a US synagogue, court documents allege.
Seann Patrick Pietila planned to carry out the attack at Shaarey Zedek Congregation in East Lansing, Michigan on March 15, 2024, on the fifth anniversary of two Islamophobic mass shootings in New Zealand that left 51 people dead.
However, the FBI thwarted the man’s plan to carry out the mass shooting. Federal authorities seized at least six firearms and several tactical gear items from the home of Pietila on Friday, June 16.
In addition to the weapons, the FBI also seized a red and white Nazi flag from his home, as well as knives, gas masks and tactical vests.
FBI investigators said they tracked down neo-nazi social media linked to Pietila, which he allegedly used to discuss and plan to carry out the massacre.
Seann Patrick Pietila (FBI)
In a raid on the 19-year-old’s home, the FBI also seized Nazi paraphernalia and reviewed several messages in which he wrote, “Heil Hitler!”, and expressed relief that Michigan “thankfully doesn’t have that many ki***.”
A note found in Pietila’s iPhone, which revealed the date of the attack, read: “Me and Limey. Equipment: hand-made pipe bombs, molotovs, Two Stag15-‘s 12 gauge shotgun and two back up Glock 18’s AND a Akm full auto conversion."
A note found on Seann Pietela’s phone by investigators (Photo: FBI)
Pietila allegedly stated his plans were prompted by a recent romantic breakup and told investigators that he didn’t plan to follow through with the plans. His mother, Brittnay Stob, also told investigators the weapons belonged to her and her husband, who live at a different residence.
Rabbi Amy Bigman of Shaarey Zedek told The Detroit News that she had informed the congregation of the arrest.
She added: “We wanted our congregation to know that federal, state and local authorities are aware of the situation that didn’t happen because our law enforcement was on top of things, which we are thankful for.”
Pietila has been charged with transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure another and is currently being held without bond pending a court hearing on Wednesday, June 22.
US Attorney Mark Totten said: “Antisemitic threats and violence against our Jewish communities — or any other group for that matter — will not be tolerated in the Western District of Michigan.
“Today and every day, we take all credible threats seriously. I’m incredibly grateful to the FBI for their swift action to identify and arrest Pietela.”
