A freshman at Rowan University has been taken into federal custody following his arrest this week as part of a broader investigation into an alleged terror plot tied to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Authorities say the 19-year-old computer science student from Montclair, New Jersey, is charged with conspiring to provide material support to a designated terrorist organisation as part of a planned attack in Michigan over the Halloween weekend. The university stressed that the campus community was never in direct danger.
Freshman Charged in Terror Conspiracy
According to the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, the student enrolled at Rowan this fall and was arrested while preparing to board a flight to Turkey, believed to be en route to Syria. The indictment alleges he went beyond rhetoric, allegedly taking steps to travel and participate in extremist operations, and communicating with others linked to the plot.
Authorities identified at least six individuals in connection with the foiled plot, which included gathering weapons and discussing attacks on U.S. soil on behalf of an extremist group. While Rowan University confirmed the student’s arrest, the institution emphasised it was never targeted directly and said it is cooperating fully with law-enforcement agencies.
University and Campus Response
Rowan University issued a letter to the campus community stating: “At no time during the investigation was there ever a threat to the University community. The safety and integrity of our campus community are always our top priorities.” The letter affirmed full collaboration with the FBI and other agencies.The university also noted that the student is currently in custody and awaiting further court proceedings.
Local law-enforcement agencies and federal partners said the arrests were part of a coordinated national effort to disrupt extremist activity. While the plot’s exact target details remain under seal, media reports suggest that the accused had discussed attacks in Michigan which were influenced by ISIS-style tactics and propaganda.
