In a message sent in June 2024 to Collins, Hamad wrote: "I've been a terrorist since I was a child in Lebanon, a real s**t", accompanying his words with a childhood photograph of himself holding a weapon, prosecutors noted.
During that period, Hamad and Collins allegedly conspired to manufacture a "destructive device" and tested a prototype, assessing the potential damage it could cause. "That was brutal", Hamad expressed in a message sent to Collins on July 7, 2024, according to the indictment. Subsequently, Hamad built two homemade bombs, in addition to other explosive devices, which he also detonated.
After the first experimental explosion, Hamad proudly identified himself as a "Hamas agent" in private conversations and reflected on the "terror" he could have caused among residents if they had seen him hooded tearing down Israeli flags in "white suburbs", according to prosecutors.
For these crimes, Hamad was formally charged with making false statements, possessing explosive devices, conspiring, and damaging a religious building, according to the Department of Justice on Wednesday. If found guilty, he could face a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 250,000 dollars.
Additionally, Collins was also charged with conspiracy, a crime that could carry up to five years in prison and a similar fine of 250,000 dollars.
Meanwhile, Lubid faces charges of conspiracy and vandalism against a religious building, crimes that carry a sentence of up to one year in prison and a fine of 100,000 dollars.
