Investigators said material recovered from his electronic devices included white supremacist, neo-Nazi, Holocaust-denying, xenophobic and accelerationist content.
By United with Israel Staff
Italian authorities arrested a 22-year-old man near Milan on Thursday on suspicion of preparing terrorist attacks against a synagogue and an Islamic prayer center.
The suspect had allegedly planned the attacks “down to the smallest details,” including studying how to construct explosive devices and modify firearms, according to Italian authorities.
Investigators identified the targets as a synagogue in Milan and an Islamic prayer center in San Donato Milanese, a suburb southeast of the city.
The 22-year-old, an Italian resident of San Giuliano Milanese, is accused of repeatedly training himself for terrorist activity and researching how to obtain chemical substances that could be used to manufacture explosives.
Investigators said material recovered from his electronic devices included white supremacist, neo-Nazi, Holocaust-denying, xenophobic and accelerationist content.
Authorities also discovered writings and material connected to Anders Breivik, the far-right terrorist who murdered 77 people in attacks in Oslo and on the Norwegian island of Utøya in 2011.
The suspect allegedly shared propaganda and material inciting violence and had prepared a 12-page document described as a “testament” outlining his extremist worldview and intentions.
According to investigators, the man feared what he described as an “Islamic invasion” and the destruction of the white race.
“It is time for someone to do something,” he wrote in the document, according to Italian media. “I am afraid to act alone, but if while I am putting together a plan I do not find anyone at my side, I will do it anyway.”
“I feel like a soldier and I know that my war has already begun, even though I am still organizing it,” he added.
Investigators believe the suspect intended to act alone. Italian media reported that authorities have not identified links between him and established far-right political groups or an organized terrorist cell.
His alleged preparations included independently acquiring information about explosives, firearms and chemical or biological substances.
He is being investigated under an Italian law criminalizing training for activities intended to facilitate terrorism, including international terrorism.
The investigation was conducted by Italy’s Carabinieri ROS special operations unit under the direction of Milan prosecutors.
The suspect remains in custody as authorities continue investigating the extent of his preparations and whether anyone else was involved.
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