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Rochester Man Accused Of New Year's Eve Plot

Emanual Lutchman
Emanual Lutchman

A 25 year old Rochester man is accused of trying to provide support to terrorists, and help ISIS (also known as ISIL) kill innocent civilians on New Year's Eve at a restaurant-bar in the Rochester area.

That according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, which says that  25 year old Emanuel Lutchman claimed to be getting directions from an overseas ISIL member, as part of Lutchman's alleged interest in eventually joining the terrorists' overseas operations.

According to the federal complaint (the full text is below),  Lutchman told an FBI informant that he had been in touch with someone overseas who he said was a member of ISIS. Authorities say Lutchman told this person that he was arranging an operation with “a brother,” and talked about doing assassinations and using a pressure cooker bomb.  Lutchman also allegedly said that “he hates this land” (meaning the U.S.) and that he wants to live under the caliphate. Lutchman is described as a U.S. citizen who is a self-professed  Muslim convert.

The criminal complaint also says that Lutchman, on or around December 28th, indicated to a federal informant that he wanted to target a club/bar, suggesting that they could sneak a bomb inside. Officials say Lutchman proposed that he and the informant kidnap a couple of people and kill them. They say that Lutchman and the informant went to a Walmart on Hudson Avenue to buy supplies for the operation including ski masks, zip-ties, knives, a machete, duct tape, ammonia and latex gloves.

Lutchman allegedly had a restaurant/bar where he wanted to carry out that operation, but that location has not yet been identified by authorities.  But the Democrat & Chroniclereports it was the Merchants Grill, and quoted the owner of the establishment as saying that Lutchman often loitered outside his business. The business owner expected to remain open Thursday night for New Year’s Eve.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office says that Lutchman and the informant also talked about making a video before the operation, in which they would explain their rationale for the attack. On Wednesday, members of a Rochester Joint Terrorism Task force arrested Lutchman who was in a vehicle with the informant at the time. Officials say prior to the arrest, Lutchman made a video which was recorded on his cell phone where he swore allegiance to ISIS and claimed responsibility for the planned attack in Rochester.

Lutchman is charged with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and ISIS.

"This New Year’s Eve prosecution underscores the threat of ISIL even in upstate New York but demonstrates our determination to immediately stop any who would cause harm in its name,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. What began as an ISIL directive to harm the community ended with the arrest of this defendant and a message for any other individuals considering similar behavior – you will be caught, you will be prosecuted, and you will be punished. While law enforcement is well equipped for such investigations, the public is reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity."

Prosecutors say Lutchman has a criminal history dating back to about 2006, which includes a conviction for robbery, as well as previous arrests under the mental hygiene law.  This is the second ISIS-related arrest in Rochester in recent months. Mufid Elfgeeh  was arrested last year and accused of recruiting for the terrorist organization.

Governor Cuomo issued this statement:

The arrest of Emanuel Lutchman is an important reminder of the new normal of global terrorism. Today law enforcement did their job well – but the challenges we face have never been greater, and it is incumbent on every citizen to be diligent and responsible. I want to reassure all New Yorkers and our state’s visitors that we are taking every precaution to keep people safe, and are in regular contact with our partners in both the federal government and local communities, statewide. I commend the Department of Justice as well as the FBI’s Rochester area Joint Terrorism Task Force, including the State Police, for their hard work and diligence in preventing this possible attack.” 

Monroe County Sheriff Patrick O'Flynn, whose department was involved with the local terrorist task force, says people going out to enjoy themselves this weekend should not be worried, but they should always report anything that looks suspicious to police.

“I think people should be more vigilant and just keep an eye out for anything that looks out of the ordinary, but as far as any credible threats in our area, we have not received any information regarding that.” O'Flynn told WXXI News.

Lutchman is due back in court January 8th.  

Because of the arrest, Rochester officials decided to cancel the  fireworks display. They say there is no evidence of any additional credible threat, but canceling the fireworks will allow police to beef up coverage in other areas. Other activities for New Year's Eve will go on as planned.

Read the full criminal complaint here: 

Lutchman Criminal Complaint

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.