A man from Florida, Forrest Kendall Pemberton, is facing charges after allegedly planning an attack on a pro-Israel organization in Plantation.
Forrest Kendall Pemberton, 26, was arrested on a stalking charge following an FBI investigation. He is accused of traveling from Gainesville to Plantation with intentions to target a pro-Israel organization. Though unnamed in the federal complaint, the organization is believed to be the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
Pemberton’s family contacted law enforcement on December 23, reporting him missing. They discovered a letter he wrote, expressing ‘anti-authority sentiments’ and intentions to say goodbye. The family realized an AR-15 rifle, a 9mm pistol, a Galil rifle, and a laptop were missing from his room.
Authorities found that Pemberton performed online searches related to the IRS offices and an organization in Plantation lobbying for pro-Israel U.S. policies. The same day, a family member provided evidence of four ATM withdrawals Pemberton made in Plantation, traced along University Drive.
On December 22, Pemberton checked into a hotel in Plantation and checked out the next day. By December 24, he was in Tallahassee and was seen carrying a soft rifle case before boarding a rideshare. Law enforcement intercepted the vehicle, and Pemberton voluntarily surrendered the firearms and ammunition.
During interviews, Pemberton admitted to buying a pickup truck after walking from Gainesville to Ocala. He visited what turned out to be a former location of the targeted organization to ‘scout’ the area, considering returning with concealed weapons. He was uncertain about carrying out a mass casualty event, suggesting his actions depended on whether he was caught.
Pemberton cited frustration with the ‘status quo’ as a motive, seeking to challenge the organization’s political influence. He intended to sell the firearms if necessary but acknowledged criminal intent was a possibility. Ultimately, he decided not to proceed, fearing the consequences if caught. He confirmed writing the letter as a farewell to his family, indicating he was not ready for the irreversible action in Plantation.
Forrest Kendall Pemberton’s arrest underscores the seriousness with which authorities treat potential threats. His actions, driven by anti-authority sentiments and political frustration, highlight the complexities behind such plots. The swift response and intervention by law enforcement prevented the alleged plan from materializing.
Source: Nbcmiami
