A supporter of the Islamic State group (ISIS) has been arrested after he allegedly tried to bomb a busy mall near Miami, U.S. prosecutors said on Monday as they charged him with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction.
Vicente Adolfo Solano, a 53-year-old citizen of Honduras who is residing in Miami, was in contact with a confidential source and two employees of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), whom he sent videos to in which he made statements in support of ISIS and expressed anti-U.S. sentiments.
According to the criminal complaint, Solano discussed his plan to place and detonate an explosive device in a crowded area of the Dolphin Mall, which is the largest retail value shopping center in Miami-Dade County. It is home to about 240 stores.
Just prior to his arrest, Solano took possession of what he believed was an explosive device and took steps to arm it. He then walked toward a mall entrance in order to carry out his attack, but unbeknownst to Solano, the device was inert and did not pose a threat to the public.
If found guilty, Solano faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
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