The FBI says it disrupted an alleged plot against the main offices of US pro-Israel organizations.

FBI Agents say they disrupted a possible plot to threaten or kill employees of a major U.S.-based pro-Israel organization before the first night of Hanukkahaccording to court documents reviewed by CBS News.

A Gainesville, Florida, man is accused of attempting to travel to the South Florida offices of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee on December 22 and 23, to “scout” the area and return later with “concealed” firearms “, according to the documents. . Forrest Pemberton, who faces a federal harassment charge, is accused of traveling to the organization’s offices with the intent to “kill, injure, harass and intimidate” people in the group.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, known as AIPAC, is a national advocacy organization that advocates on issues involving Israel before Congress and the White House.

Although charging documents do not specifically name AIPAC as the alleged target, an FBI affidavit identifies the victim as an organization with the same mission statement as AIPAC and references identical details and language from the group’s website. AIPAC also had a registered address in Plantation, Florida, which is where charging documents allege Pemberton targeted.

According to charging documents, law enforcement tracked Pemberton to a hotel less than two miles from AIPAC’s Florida address on Dec. 22 and then monitored him several hours north in Tallahassee, Florida, on Dec. 25. .

Prosecutors allege in their court documents that Pemberton was in a rideshare vehicle with three firearms, including an AR-style rifle, and ammunition when law enforcement officers stopped the vehicle on December 25.

Prosecutors allege that Pemberton was interviewed by agents on Dec. 26 about his intentions. According to an FBI affidavit filed by prosecutors, when Pemberton was asked if he was planning a “mass casualty” event and then a suicide, Pemberton allegedly responded, “Um, I really don’t know if I was going to end my life or No. I hadn’t gotten that far yet. It completely depended on whether I ended up getting caught or not. If I got caught, that was a way out.

According to charging documents, Pemberton allegedly told officers, “I had firearms with me, the purpose was twofold. Like I said before, sell them if I need them, but otherwise, they can be used for criminal purposes if I wanted to.” . what my intention was, such as harming another individual.

Prosecutors allege in charging documents against Pemberton that he chose to attack the organization “because of its political influence” and because of his “frustration with the status quo.”

He Department of Justice alleges that Pemberton left a “farewell” note discovered by relatives, in which he espoused “anti-authority statements” and spoke of wanting to “close the circle” and “fan the flames.” In charging documents, prosecutors said family members reported that Pemberton left the house and that his AR-style rifle and other firearms were no longer in the house either.

According to charging documents, Pemberton allegedly told agents that he had “finally decided not to” take “criminal action” against the organization, and said he “wasn’t ready. I gave up.”

Pemberton has been remanded in custody pending a court hearing Monday in federal court in Gainesville, Florida.

An AIPAC spokesperson told CBS News: “We take these threats very seriously and are working closely with law enforcement regarding this matter. We will not be deterred by extremists in our mission to strengthen the relationship with the valued ally of “United States, Israel. We are deeply grateful for the work of the FBI in apprehending this individual.”

The Alachua County, Florida, Sheriff’s Department released a booking photo of Pemberton on Tuesday and said Pemberton’s arrest was made by the FBI.

An FBI spokeswoman in Washington declined to comment to CBS News. A defense attorney assigned to Pemberton also had no comment.

Scott MacFarlane

Scott MacFarlane is a congressional correspondent. He has covered Washington for two decades, winning 20 Emmy and Edward R. Murrow awards. Their reports have directly resulted in the passage of five new laws.