Pier 39 Terror Plot suspect to plead not guilty

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Saturday, December 23, 2017
Pier 39 Terror Plot suspect to plead not guilty
Pier 39 is a hub of holiday activity, popular with tourists. It was targeted in a planned Christmastime terror attack by a Modesto man. His attorney says he'll be pleading not guilty to the charges brought against him.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Pier 39 is a hub of holiday activity, popular with tourists. It was targeted in a planned Christmastime terror attack by a Modesto man. His attorney says he'll be pleading not guilty to the charges brought against him.

VIDEO: Father of foiled SF terror attack suspect: 'Unreal, I really couldn't believe it'

The father of a Modesto man accused of plotting a terror attack in San Francisco spoke with ABC30 after learning his son was involved.

According to a federal criminal complaint, the suspect Everitt Jameson was alerted to the FBI after a series of social media posts supporting terrorism.

The FBI says the tow truck driver from Modesto expressed admiration for the Halloween terror attack in New York City that killed eight people and planned to use a truck in the attack on Pier 39.

Jameson had worked at Anderson's Towing in Modesto since August. In 2009, Jameson served a short four and a half months in the Marines, earning a sharpshooter rifle qualification before being discharged for not disclosing he had asthma.

Citing his time in the military, Jameson later told undercover FBI informants, "I have been trained in combat and things of war. Anything for Allah. He is the best of planners."

He also told the undercover FBI agent he could carry out the attack this week. Jameson said Christmas would be the perfect day.

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We spoke to his father, who was shocked at the FBI's findings. "There was no warning signs, no nothing," said Gordon Jameson. "You don't blow up people, you don't kill people? You don't do that."

Just two days ago the FBI executed a search warrant on Jameson's Modesto home and found firearms and fireworks, and a last will and testament.

Jameson's attorney says his client will plead "not guilty" to any charges brought against him.

COURT DOCUMENT: FBI criminal complaint for SF terror plot suspect