Ohio man arrested for allegedly planning terror attack on 4th of July parade in Cleveland

Monday, July 2, 2018
CLEVELAND, Ohio (KFSN) -- An Ohio man is set to appear in court Monday after authorities said he planned a terror attack in Cleveland. Investigators believe he wanted to work with Al Qaeda to pack a van with explosives and attack the city's Fourth of July parade.

Officials arrested Demetrius Pitts after they say he told an undercover agent about his plans. Pitts is a US citizen and it is not clear if he had access to explosives or if he has a history of using them.
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Authorities revealed during a morning press conference that the suspect told officials he wanted to attack our nation and its values.

VIDEO: FBI discusses arrest in connection to terror attack planned for Fourth of July in Cleveland

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Justin Herdman, U.S. Attorney, said, "He wanted us to be afraid to speak our minds. He also wanted us to be afraid to gather together in public places. So I ask this week that we all continue to gather, continue to celebrate America."

An FBI Special Agent said Pitts scouted out locations this past week for a site to attack in downtown Cleveland. He said it's not clear how close Pitts was to carry out his threats but says authorities couldn't sit back and wait.
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