A member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard is facing serious federal charges after allegedly engaging in a disturbing pattern of behavior that included constructing explosives, promoting extremist ideologies, vandalizing a Jewish synagogue, and deceiving authorities about his allegiance to the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania announced this week that a grand jury in Pittsburgh indicted three individuals: Mohamad Hamad, 23, of Coraopolis; Talya A. Lubit, 24, of Pittsburgh; and Micaiah Collins, 22, of Pittsburgh.
Hamad and Lubit had previously been charged in connection with the defacement of Jewish religious property with graffiti supporting Palestinian causes and expressing opposition to Israel.
According to court documents, Hamad enlisted in the Air Force and joined the Pennsylvania Air National Guard (PAANG) in 2023. He sought a top-secret security clearance, undergoing extensive background checks that included multiple interviews where he purportedly swore his unwavering loyalty to the U.S.
However, investigators uncovered evidence suggesting a stark contrast between Hamad’s public declarations and private sentiments. Court filings reveal he privately celebrated terrorist organizations and harbored deep resentment toward America. In digital communications, he expressed desires for Lebanon and Palestine to “be on top,” and made disparaging remarks about the United States.
The indictment details a concerning timeline of events spanning late 2023 and 2024:
- While participating in military training, Hamad allegedly shared videos promoting Hamas and glorified terrorist actions.
- He reportedly conspired with Collins to manufacture and detonate explosive devices, including pipe bombs, using materials such as potassium perchlorate and aluminum powder. One exchange revealed Hamad expressing fear of the bomb while Collins enthusiastically discussed potential targets.
- On social media, Hamad posted images in support of Hamas operatives, expressed envy towards jihadists who died fighting, and made explicit threats against individuals he perceived as enemies.
The conspiracy extended to targeting Chabad of Squirrel Hill, a synagogue and Jewish educational center in Pittsburgh. The indictment alleges that wearing a headband resembling those used by Hamas, Hamad conducted surveillance of the synagogue before Lubit allegedly spray-painted “Jews 4 Palestine” alongside an inverted red triangle—a symbol associated with Hamas for identifying targets – on its exterior.
Lubit’s sentiments were further exposed in encrypted messages where she reportedly stated, “I can literally feel myself starting to see Jews as my enemies.
“
Federal investigators later connected Hamad and Lubit to additional vandalism of a Jewish Federation sign, heightening anxieties within the community.
“As alleged in the indictment, Mohamad Hamad deceived authorities regarding his loyalty to the United States while simultaneously expressing support for Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Hamas,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Rivetti emphasized the commitment of his office to safeguarding both the Jewish community and the wider public.
FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek affirmed the Bureau’s dedication to investigating individuals involved in “dangerous, menacing, and illegal activities,” adding that protecting American communities is a core mission.
The charges carry significant potential penalties: up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for Hamad, five years and a $250,000 fine for Collins, and one year and a $100,000 fine for Lubit. Sentences will be determined based on the specific offenses and any prior criminal records.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Vasquez Schmitt and Carolyn J. Bloch, with support from the Department of Justice National Security Division. The investigation involved collaboration between the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
