A 23-year-old Adams, Massachusetts man and son of a Boston police captain has been arrested after he obtained guns to kill innocent people in support of the so-called Islamic State, according to federal authorities.
The U.S. Attorney’s office says Alexander Ciccolo ordered and received four guns with large ammunition magazines to kill innocent people in support of the terrorist organization. Ciccolo, who also goes by Ali Al Amriki, got the guns from a witness cooperating with the Western Massachusetts Joint Terrorism Task Force and was arrested outside his Adams apartment July 4th according to a criminal complaint released Monday.
The FBI became aware last year that Ciccolo expressed a desire to fight overseas for ISIL followed by social media posts supporting the organization and conversations in which he talked about setting off explosive devices. Before his arrest, the government says Ciccolo bought a pressure cooker from the Walmart in North Adams. The investigation is being conducted by the Western Massachusetts Joint Terrorism Task Force which includes a number of federal, state and local agencies.
North Adams Mayor Richard Alcombright said Monday afternoon that he did not know of Ciccolo.North Adams Mayor Richard Alcombright reacts to news of the arrest and charges Monday afternoon.
“You may not perceive that in this quiet, little mecca that we call home here that this stuff is going to happen, but I think we all have to be certainly very cognizant of the fact that this is a far-reaching problem,” Alcombright said. “These terrorist movements are making in-roads. I just thank God that we have the types of protection that we have in place when you look at this Joint Terrorism Task Force and whatnot.”
Having been convicted of operating under the influence of liquor in February, Ciccolo was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Ciccolo is the son of a Boston police captain. The Ciccolo family released the following statement on the Boston Police Department's website Monday afternoon.
“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.”
A detention hearing is scheduled for 3:30 Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Springfield.
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