Mark Steven Domingo a recent Muslim convert and left wing extremist plotted to bomb the Santa Monica Pier in Southern California in retaliation for the mosque shootings in New Zealand. Mark Steven Domingo also considered targets including Jewish people, churches and police officers. Mark Steven Domingo wanted to be a martyr for Muslims and used the Las Vegas shooting as a blue print for his foiled terrorist attack on visitors to the Santa Monica Pier.
| Mark Steven Domingo (Muslim convert) plotted to bomb Santa Monica Pier |
|---|
|
The idea to target the Long Beach event was allegedly discussed during a meeting on 19 April between Mr Domingo and the FBI agent.
Mr Domingo arrived at the meeting with an AK-47-style rifle to show he was “serious” about his plans, said prosecutors.
He also allegedly mentioned the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, and said he wanted a device that could cause 50 casualties.
Mr Domingo also allegedly contemplated bombing the Santa Monica Pier, where he said a summer attack on the crowded tourist spot would cause maximum casualties.
Prosecutors say he referred to the October 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas – the deadliest such attack in modern US history, it left 58 dead – as a blueprint for his own assault.
He posted online that “America needs another Vegas event” in order to “give them a taste of the terror they gladly spread all over the world”, said prosecutors.
He allegedly purchased “several hundred nails” meant to be used as shrapnel inside the improvised explosive device.
“Domingo said he specifically bought three-inch nails because they would be long enough to penetrate the human body and puncture internal organs,” the affidavit says.