Alleged plot by San Bernardino shooter and neighbor targeted college students, commuters

The former neighbor of San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook, Enrique Marquez, was charged Thursday with conspiring to commit crimes of terrorism with Farook in 2011 and 2012, and an affidavit filed by an FBI special agent goes into detail about their alleged plot to attack students and commuters.

The affidavit, written by Special Agent Joel T. Anderson, explains that Marquez moved to Riverside, California, in 2004. Farook was his neighbor, and the two worked on cars together and attended La Sierra High School. In 2005, Farook began discussing Islam with Marquez, the affidavit says, and Marquez converted in 2007. Farook introduced Marquez "to radical Islamic ideology, which included expressing disdain towards Muslims in the U.S. military that killed other Muslims," the affidavit says, and in 2011, the pair "began planning to commit terrorist acts in the Southern California area."

They discussed using firearms and explosives to attack Riverside Community College (RCC) and State Route 91, the affidavit says; at RCC, they considered detonating explosives in either the cafeteria or library, then shooting students as they ran away, while on the 91, they would use bombs and guns to attack commuters during rush hour and later, first responders. Both attended RCC, and "took steps to carry out their plans by purchasing firearms, ammunition, and other tactical gear, as well as going to local firing ranges." Marquez told the FBI that in 2013 "their contact began to decline" and "they ceased planning any attacks together," though the two continued to speak. Federal prosecutors say there is no evidence that Marquez knew in advance or participated in the shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino that killed 14 people.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up