Jack Danaher Molloy, a 24-year-old dual U.S. and Irish citizen who previously served in the U.S. Army, is facing charges for attempting to join the terrorist group Hezbollah with the intent of “killing Jews.” The Department of Justice (DOJ) alleged that Molloy traveled to Lebanon and Syria last year to try and join the Iran-backed organization, despite knowing that it is designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. government. Following his conversion to Islam in 2024, Molloy made contact with individuals in Lebanon about becoming a Hezbollah fighter during his visit in August of that year. However, he was told that the timing was not right, and he needed to take further steps.
In October 2024, Molloy traveled to Syria in another attempt to join Hezbollah. Upon returning to the U.S., the DOJ says he lied to FBI agents at Pittsburgh International Airport, denying his intentions to join the terrorist group or that he had met anyone in Syria. Despite his return, Molloy continued his efforts to join Hezbollah. Court documents also revealed that Molloy had expressed hatred and advocated for violence against Jewish people on social media. Additionally, he shared antisemitic sentiments and told a family member that his “master plan was to join Hezbollah and kill Jews.”
While living in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, Molloy allegedly visited a website detailing the possible incarceration location of Robert Bowers, the individual responsible for the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue shooting that claimed the lives of 11 Jewish individuals. If convicted, Molloy could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for material support charges and a maximum of eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both for false statement charges. The DOJ is continuing its investigation into Molloy’s activities and affiliations with extremist groups.
The case highlights the ongoing threat posed by individuals who seek to join or support terrorist organizations. Molloy’s efforts to join Hezbollah, a known terrorist group, demonstrate the importance of monitoring and investigating individuals with radical ideologies. The DOJ’s charges against Molloy underscore the severity of attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and the potential consequences of engaging in such activities. It serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in combatting extremism and terrorist threats.
The allegations against Molloy also shed light on the dangerous agendas of groups like Hezbollah, which have been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and violence targeting civilians. By attempting to join Hezbollah and expressing intentions to harm Jewish individuals, Molloy’s case underscores the underlying extremism that can fuel such actions. The DOJ’s efforts to prosecute individuals like Molloy who seek to support or engage with terrorist groups are crucial in preventing future acts of violence and protecting the public from extremist threats.
As the investigation into Molloy’s activities continues, law enforcement agencies are working to uncover any potential connections or networks that may have facilitated his attempts to join Hezbollah. By holding individuals like Molloy accountable for their actions and affiliations with terrorist organizations, authorities aim to disrupt and prevent future threats to national security and public safety. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by radical ideologies and the importance of addressing extremism to ensure the safety and security of communities both in the U.S. and abroad.
