Mohamad Hamad and Talya Lubit were charged with vandalizing Jewish buildings in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and purchasing explosive materials. Hamad, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Lebanon, was a member of the Air National Guard until he was barred from the facility. Lubit, a recent graduate and Jewish activist against Israel, was accused of being Hamad’s accomplice in the vandalism. The FBI and Pittsburgh police found that Hamad had purchased red spray paint from Walmart before the vandalism and his vehicle was spotted near the crime scenes.
Lubit was known for her anti-Israel activism and had asked a county council to pass a controversial cease-fire resolution. She signed onto a letter defending Congresswoman Summer Lee, who blamed Israel for attacks by Hamas terrorists. Hamad also reportedly made donations to Squad Democrats, including Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, who have been critical of Israel. Court documents revealed messages exchanged by Hamad, Lubit, and others, including photos and conversations indicating their involvement in the vandalism and purchasing of explosive materials.
Hamad allegedly described himself as a “Hamas operative” and shared messages indicating his involvement in anti-Israel activities. He made online purchases of explosive materials in June and planned to practice lighting a shell as a practice run for a future explosion. Videos of detonations were shared between Hamad and his associate, with Hamad expressing excitement. Lubit also shared concerning messages in a group chat, stating that she was starting to see Jews as enemies and sharing an image of a Nazi swastika in the middle of an Israeli flag.
The criminal complaint against Hamad and Lubit charged them with defacing and damaging religious real property and conspiracy. The vandalism occurred at Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation, with messages painted in red spray paint. Hamad purchased spray paint from Walmart and his vehicle was seen near the crime scenes, implicating him in the vandalism. Lubit, who resided in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, was accused of being Hamad’s accomplice in the incident.
The joint investigation by the FBI and Pittsburgh police uncovered evidence linking Hamad and Lubit to the vandalism and purchasing of explosive materials. Hamad made donations to Squad Democrats critical of Israel, while Lubit engaged in anti-Israel activism. Messages exchanged between the two and others revealed their involvement in anti-Israel activities. Court documents detailed the extent of their activities, including planning for potential future attacks and expressing anti-Semitic sentiments. The case shed light on the dangers of radical ideologies and extremism within communities.
