An Army veteran suspected of planning a domestic terrorist attack in California was kicked out of the military for a serious offense, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.
A U.S. official told the AP that Mark Domingo violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice and was discharged from the Army before completing his enlistment contract.
{mosads}Domingo, 26, was arrested Friday after being ensnared in an online sting operation conducted by federal and local law enforcement. He had recently converted to Islam and planned to detonate an explosive device at a rally in Long Beach, Calif., in retaliation for a shooting at two New Zealand mosques last month that killed 50 worshippers.
“The individual charged in this case wanted to carry out a mass casualty attack with explosive devices, and he moved very quickly from talking about violence to mobilizing to commit such an attack,” said Assistant Director Michael McGarrity of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Section.
“This case should remind the public of the need to be vigilant and notify law enforcement if you see suspicious behavior.”
Domingo was charged with providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists and was held without bail.
Military records reviewed by the AP showed Domingo served in the Army for 16 months, including four months in Afghanistan, and was discharged at the rank of private, the lowest possible rank.