The FBI has disrupted an alleged plot to harm individuals at a South Florida office of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a prominent U.S.-based pro-Israel advocacy organization.
The suspect, 46-year-old Forrest Pemberton of Gainesville, Florida, faces federal stalking charges in connection with the case.
Authorities allege that Pemberton planned to scout the AIPAC office in Plantation, Florida, on December 22 and 23, with the intention of returning later with concealed firearms to carry out an attack. The organization advocates for strengthening U.S.-Israel relations and engages with Congress and the White House on related policies.
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Although the charging documents do not explicitly name AIPAC, details in the FBI affidavit align with the organization’s mission statement and previously listed address.
Authorities allege that Pemberton planned to scout the AIPAC office in Plantation, Florida, on December 22 and 23, with the intention of returning later with concealed firearms to carry out an attack. The organization advocates for strengthening U.S.-Israel relations and engages with Congress and the White House on related policies.
Although the charging documents do not explicitly name AIPAC, details in the FBI affidavit align with the organization’s mission statement and previously listed address.
Pemberton told investigators he was undecided about carrying out a “mass casualty event” and taking his own life, stating, “I really don’t know if I was gonna end it with my life or not. I hadn’t gotten that far yet.” He ultimately claimed to have “given up” on the plan, saying, “I wasn’t ready.”
Court documents indicate that Pemberton’s motivations were tied to the organization’s perceived political influence and proximity to his location. He also allegedly scouted a local IRS office near the AIPAC site.
Pemberton has been charged with federal stalking and is being held in pretrial detention pending a court hearing scheduled for Monday in Gainesville, Florida. He faces severe legal repercussions if convicted.
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