A 23-year-old Massachusetts man has been arrested on federal firearm charges by the FBI. It is also alleged that Alexander Ciccolo, the estranged son of a Boston Police captain, wanted to carry out an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack.
According to the criminal complaint, federal agents arrested Ciccolo on July 4, after he took delivery of four guns (a Colt AR-15 .223 caliber rifle, a SigArms Model SG550-1 556 caliber rifle, a Glock 17- 9mm pistol and a Glock 20-10 mm pistol) from an undercover agent. Ciccolo had a previous felony conviction on his record which prevents him from possessing firearms.
At the time of his arrest, a search of Ciccolo's apartment revealed several partially constructed Molotov cocktails. Agents also found bomb-making equipment such as various chemicals, an alarm clock, and "attack planning papers" and "jihad" paperwork."
According to a memo recommending that he be detained while he awaits trial, Ciccolo told a cooperating witness during recorded conversations that he planned to carry out terrorist attacks inspired by the Islamic State, including "setting off improvised explosive devices, such as pressure cookers filled with black powder, nails, ball bearings and glass, in places where large numbers of people congregate, such as college cafeterias."
Federal agents recently observed Ciccolo purchasing a pressure cooker similar to those used in the Boston Marathon bombings, officials said.
ABC News reported Ciccolo's father is Boston police Captain Robert Ciccolo, a veteran cop who responded to the marathon attacks in April 2013.
The Ciccolo family released a statement via the Boston Police Department saying, "While we were saddened and disappointed to learn of our son's intentions, we are grateful that authorities were able to prevent any loss of life or harm to others. At this time, we would ask that the public and the media recognize our grief and respect our desire for privacy."