Posted on 11/03/24
| News Source: FOX News
A self-described "Hamas operative" accused of vandalizing Jewish buildings in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and purchasing explosive materials, reportedly had donated to "Squad" Democrats critical of Israel.
A criminal complaint unsealed in the Western District of Pennsylvania charges Mohamad Hamad and Talya Lubit with one count each of defacing and damaging religious real property and one count of conspiracy.
Hamad is a dual citizen of the United States and Lebanon who resides in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.
Hamad was a member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, assigned to the 171st Maintenance Squadron stationed in Moon Township, Pa., near the Pittsburgh International Airport, until Sept. 13, 2024, "when he was barred from the facility," court documents say. He also drove a BMW with Ohio plates.
Lubit is a U.S. citizen who resides in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
Mohamad Hamad sent what's believed to be a selfie on Signal after allegedly stealing a U.S.-Israel flag. (FBI)
On July 29, Chabad of Squirrel Hill, a synagogue and center for Jewish educational programming, reported to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police that the message "Jews 4 Palestine" with an inverted triangle – a pro-Hamas symbol initially used to mark an Israeli target during fighting in Gaza – had been sprayed in red paint on the exterior of the building. That same day, the Jewish Federation, a non-profit organization, also reported to police that an exterior entrance sign to its property was spray-painted in red to add the words, "Funds Genocide Jews, Hate Zionists" and a red heart.
A joint investigation by the FBI and Pittsburgh police found Hamad had purchased red spray paint from Walmart a day before the vandalism was reported at both Jewish buildings. His vehicle was also spotted on surveillance video near the crime scenes. Lubit is accused of being Hamad's accomplice in the vandalism.
A recent graduate of Dickinson College in central Pennsylvania, Lubit is a Jewish activist against Israel.
According to the New York Post, Lubit had asked a county council to pass a controversial cease-fire resolution and suggested Israel was to blame for the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas terrorists. Lubit also signed onto a letter defending "Squad" member Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., who blamed Israel for Oct. 7.