FBI Makes Arrests In Plot To Bomb Major News Network

The FBI has arrested a U-S soldier who allegedly discussed plans to bomb a major American news network, planned to travel to Ukraine to fight with violent far-right group Azov Battalion and allegedly distributed information online on how to build bombs. ABC News is reporting he also allegedly suggested targeting Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke.

Jarrett Williams Smith

According to charging documents in the case, Jarrett William Smith, who transferred to Fort Riley, Kansas, in July, joined the U.S. military only after first expressing his desire to fight in Ukraine.

On Aug. 19, 2019, Smith allegedly spoke with an FBI informant in an online chat group and discussed a plan for an attack inside the U.S., his search for more "radicals" like himself and the possibility of killing members of the group Antifa.

In suggesting that the headquarters of the major news network could be a target, Smith allegedly said: "A large vehicle bomb. Fill a vehicle full of [explosives] then fill a ping pong ball with [commonly available chemical] via drilling then injection. Put the ball in the tank of the vehicle and leave. 30 minutes later, BOOM."

Smith had allegedly been in communication with another American, Craig Lang, who traveled to Ukraine and fought with another far-right group, the Right Sector.

Craig Lane

They were in contact since 2016, and authorities described Lang as a "mentor" to Smith.

Smith was arrested on Sept. 21, and he allegedly admitted to the FBI that he provided people online with instructions for building bombs.

He has been charged in Kansas with distributing information relating to weapons of mass destruction.

Lang, meanwhile, is currently facing federal charges in Florida, North Carolina and Arizona in separate cases with alleged ties to -- among other things -- a murdered couple in Florida, the terrorist group al-Shabab in East Africa and groups fighting against the Venezuelan government.

Lang had failed to pay outstanding child support payments, so his passport was canceled.