FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — New updates are revealing disturbing details about a Georgia man who federal agents believe intended to commit terrorist attacks on the White House and other U.S. landmarks.
Here's a breakdown of what we know about the man now facing serious charges - and the plans that led to them.
Who is Hasher Taheb?
The FBI hasn't released an extended history of their suspect just yet - mainly that they were tipped off following a community member's concerns that in March of 2018, he had become "radicalized, changed his name and made plans to travel abroad."
He later placed an ad to sell his car for an overseas trip and told undercover agents of his desire to "become a martyr through jihad."
Despite his alleged plans, agents believe he had never shot a gun before.
What exactly did he do?
Taheb was never afforded the chance to actually act on his alleged intentions to carry out terror attacks. But through his communications with undercover agents, they learned that he had a detailed plan to do so.
A 40-page Google Document detailed his plans to carry out various attacks. He also used an encrypted social media app to communicate with undercover agents where he continued to detail his plans and shop for the necessary weapons.
What were his targets?
The 21-year-old suspect had created hand-drawn diagrams of the West Wing of the White House - one of his major targets. However, the federal affidavit suggests he also intended to attack more landmarks in D.C. including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and a specific synagogue.
He also considered attacking other targets like the Statue of Liberty and intended to carry out an attack with the goal of taking down "as many [people] as they possibly could."
It's unclear if these were the only targets brought up in the investigation, however, federal officials stressed the Super Bowl in Atlanta was never among them.
Did he have previous run-ins with the law?
Yes, Taheb had four different run-ins with law enforcement in Forsyth County in 2014 and 2015.
Reports were only provided for two incidents with the county claiming the other two were protected under the Family Violence Act and would not be released. However, the FVA reports did result in arrests - and mugshots.
The first released report filed in November of 2014 involved an incident where a neighbor confronted Taheb about running a local stop sign as he passed by.
The man claimed that Taheb bumped him with his car as he walked in front to speak with him. Taheb claimed he was afraid and attempted to leave. Though a report was filed, the incident never rose to an arrest according to the report.
In a second report, police found Taheb and another teen smoking marijuana in near a Subway restaurant in Cumming. Police confiscated their paraphernalia but ultimately didn't arrest them, instead, turning them both over to their mothers.
What charges does he face now?
Taheb has been charged with violating Title 18USC 844(f)(1), an "attempt to damage by means of an explosive any building owned, possessed, or leased by the United States or any department or agency thereof, or any institution or organization receiving federal financial assistance."
If convicted, he faces no less than 5 years in federal prison and no more than 20 years. He could also face fines under the title.
