A former U.S. Army soldier from Pennsylvania has been charged with attempting to support the foreign terrorist organization Hezbollah and lying to federal agents about his intentions.
Jack Danaher Molloy, a 24-year-old individual with dual citizenship in the United States and Ireland, stands accused of embarking on a journey to Lebanon and Syria back in 2024 with the intention of joining Hezbollah. It is alleged that his initial attempt to join the group in Lebanon was met with the requirement of fulfilling additional measures. As a result, he proceeded to travel to Syria in a bid to actively partake in the fight alongside Hezbollah.
The missile strikes on Iranian-backed Houthi targets in Yemen highlight the United States’ commitment to countering threats in the region and maintaining stability. This action serves as a clear message to those who seek to undermine peace and security that the U.S. will not hesitate to take decisive action to protect its interests and the interests of its allies.
According to the indictment, Molloy was accused of providing false information to FBI agents when he arrived at Pittsburgh International Airport in October 2024. He specifically denied having intentions to join Hezbollah or engaging in any activities in Syria.
Molloy returned to the United States and lived in Upper St. Clair, where he continued his efforts to join Hezbollah, including communicating with individuals online and in Lebanon.
During his stay in the United States and abroad, Molloy allegedly voiced hatred for and urged violence against Jews. Numerous photographs and films on his electronic devices, along with the aliases he used for his social media and email accounts, such as “KIKEKILLER313” on the social networking platform X, further demonstrated Molloy’s alleged hostility toward Jews.
In a WhatsApp conversation with a family member, Molloy admitted that his “master plan was to join Hezbollah and kill Jews.” While residing in Upper St. Clair, Molloy also accessed a website listing the likely incarceration location of Robert Bowers, who committed the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue shooting that killed 11 Jewish worshippers.
If Molloy is found guilty, he could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison for trying to aid a foreign terrorist organization. Additionally, he could face up to eight years in prison for providing false information related to international terrorism.
The FBI is currently investigating the case with the help of the U.S. Marshals Service. Molloy was apprehended in Chicago on December 6th, 2024, and then transferred to Pittsburgh on December 30th, 2024. At present, he remains in federal custody.
