Texas: Illegal Alien from Jordan Allegedly 'Studying How to Build Bombs' to Target Jews Arrested
Texas authorities have arrested a Jordanian individual accused of studying bomb-making for a potential attack against Jews targets. The FBI director cited this case as an example of the growing terror threat in the US. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

A Jordanian residing in Texas is facing arrest on gun charges after being accused of planning an attack on Houston's Jewish community, with allegations of radical affiliations, per the NY Post.

Sohaib Abuayyash, 20, is said to have been researching bomb-making techniques and expressing support for violence against Jews, according to federal officials.

FBI Director Chris Wray, in testimony before the Senate Homeland Security Committee, mentioned that the suspect had accessed online materials related to bomb construction and had made statements endorsing violence against individuals of specific religious beliefs.

While he did not disclose the Texas illegal alien's identity during his testimony, court documents have since linked him to the case.

In a social media post, Abuayyash allegedly made a direct reference to an event in Houston involving the Jewish community.

However, the post did not provide specific details regarding the intended target or timing of the alleged attack.

The Jordan national is currently in custody on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm as a non-immigrant visa holder. US Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan has ruled that he should remain detained pending trial.

Court documents indicate that Abuayyash expressed intentions related to martyrdom and his desire to travel to Gaza for a religious cause.

Jordanian National Initially Entered the US Using Tourist Visa

The suspect first entered the United States in June 2016 on a B2 tourist visa and left after around two months, FOX News reports.

He returned to the country using a Palestinian passport in June 2019.

He applied for asylum and withholding of removal in January 2020, which is still pending.

Then, he received approval for employment authorization in the US in August 2023, allowing him to work until August 1, 2025.

Meanwhile, his immigration status prohibits him from possessing or using firearms or ammunition.

The Texas illegal alien had previously posted images and videos on social media depicting his firearms training.

Despite the lack of current credible threats from terrorist groups in the US, FBI Director Wray expressed concerns about the potential for violent extremists or small groups inspired by events in the Middle East to carry out attacks on Americans.

Sohaib Abuayyash Spotted at Several Firing Ranges

Texas investigators have uncovered that Abuayyash, along with others, visited multiple firing ranges.

Security camera footage from one of these facilities allegedly showed him and an unidentified person handling and firing rifles and pistols, CBS News noted.

At another facility, a video from September 24 showed Abuayyash being congratulated for hitting a target resembling a human silhouette with multiple bullet holes.

The US Department of Justice has requested that the Jordanian national be detained pending trial.

Court records indicate that a hearing was held under seal on October 24, and the judge's order mentioned the suspect's expressed desire to travel to Gaza for combat.

While much of the reported activities occurred before recent events in the Middle East, the FBI director cited the Texas illegal alien's case as part of a broader warning regarding evolving threats in the US due to the situation in the Middle East.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Jordanian national arrested in Houston allegedly planned attack on Jews - From New York Post