The FBI Thwarts a July 4th Terror Attack..

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A man who repeatedly said he wanted to be part of a foreign terrorist organization conducted reconnaissance in downtown Cleveland in recent days, planning to pack a van with explosives in a July 4 attack.

Demetrius Nathanial Pitts, also known as Abdur Raheem Rahfeeq, was arrested yesterday after a months-long investigation prompted by statements made on social media.

He faces a charge of attempted material support of a foreign terrorist organization and will appear in court Monday.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen Anthony said the FBI originally in 2017 learned of statements Pitts made supporting Al Qaeda and regarding violent intentions against the armed forces while he lived in the Cincinnati area.