Posted on July 30, 2015

Harlem Suarez Planned to Blow Up Key West Beach in ISIS-Inspired Attack

Kyle Munzenrieder, Miami New Times, July 28, 2015

Harlem Suarez wanted to bring terror to the Conch Republic, according to the FBI. The 23 year old, also known as Almlak Benitez, was arrested after the feds claimed they uncovered a plot in which he planned to build a bomb and plant it under the sands of a Key West beach. After attacking the Keys, Suarez also wanted to plant bombs in South Beach.

Suarez came to the FBI’s attention this past April after making Facebook posts promoting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, a terrorist organization also known as ISIS. Someone tipped off the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office after receiving a friend request from someone using the name “Almlak Benitez.”

“Be a warrior, learn how to cut your enemies head and then burn down the body learn how to be the new future of the world Caliphate,” he wrote in one such posting.

“I need some emest from any brother. How to make a bomb send me a video or something, and what do I need to make it,” he wrote in another.

{snip}

The Facebook profile also indicates Suarez is a Key West native.

An FBI confidential human source located in West Palm Beach (the complaint does not make it completely clear whether it’s the same person who originally tipped off the PBSO) made contact with Suarez, and the suspect divulged his plot to blow up a beach. He allegedly planned to use a weapon known as a “timer bomb,” a device that is filled with nails and able to be concealed easily in a backpack. Suarez planned to bury the bomb under the sand on a public beach and then detonate the device via cell phone.

{snip}

Suarez also claimed to be in possession of two Glock handguns but also implied to the source that he was interested in obtaining a rifle, a bulletproof vest, and grenades.

Eventually, Suarez and the source met in person, and Suarez talked about wanting to make an ISIS recruiting video. The two would eventually meet at a Homestead motel to do so. Suarez showed up and, dressed in tactical gear while holding weapons, made his pitch before the camera. He also talked about eventually going to a Miami-area mosque to possibly recruit new members for the cause.

The source and Suarez would later come to an agreement that if Suarez provided the supplies, the source would have someone build the timer bomb Suarez wanted. Suarez provided the material July 19. When he went to pick up the bomb yesterday, he was arrested.

Suarez had also discussed with the source the possibility of placing bombs in Marathon and South Beach during July 4 in terrorist-style attacks, though those ideas had not been as well-planned-out.

{snip}

Harlem Suarez

Harlem Suarez