A 26-year-old California man pleaded guilty on Monday to supporting ISIS and planning a terror attack on Pier 39 in San Francisco possibly on Christmas Day.
Everitt Aaron Jameson of Modesto vowed support for ISIS and offered to carry out the terror attack as he was wholeheartedly committed to "the cause," according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Jameson named Pier 39 as a target and indicated Christmas Day would be the perfect day to carry out the attack. He indicated the location would be crowded and explosives could be used to funnel people to an area where Jameson could then shoot them as they fled, according to the FBI's criminal complaint.
Jameson planned on using sharpshooter skills he honed in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was discharged from the Marines for failing to disclose his asthma history.
In numerous contacts with an undercover FBI agent from September through December 2017, who Jameson believed was a senior leader of ISIS, details of the attack were planned. Explosive materials and other items needed to inflict mass casualties were discussed. Jameson also provided surveillance photos.
"Jameson also stated he needed timers and remote detonators," according to the FBI, and he said he "could get the PVC pipe, nails, and powder."
Firearms, munitions and notes were found in Jameson's residence.
One note signed by Abdalla abu Everitt ibn Gordon al-Amriki said he committed "these acts upon the Kuffar [non-believers], in the name of Dar Al Islam, Allahu Akbar! You all have brought this upon yourselves … You've allowed Donald J. Trump to give away Al Quds [Jerusalem] to the Jews. Both you and he are wrong, it belongs to the Muslemeen [Muslims]," according to the FBI.
Jameson indicated he did not need an escape plan "as he was ready to die." The FBI also found Jameson's last will and testament executed on Nov. 16 during the search of his apartment.
Jameson is scheduled to appear on September 4 for sentencing, and if his plea agreement is accepted he will serve 15 years in prison and a life term of supervision.