WASHINGTON, D.C. – A former U.S. Army soldier from Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of attempting to provide support to Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based organization designated as a foreign terrorist group by the United States. The indictment, announced by the U.S. Department of Justice, also includes charges of making false statements to the FBI.
Jack Danaher Molloy, a 24-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Ireland, reportedly travelled to Lebanon and Syria in 2024 to join Hezbollah’s ranks. According to the Justice Department, Molloy’s attempts to associate with the group continued even after his return to the United States later that year.
Background and Allegations
Molloy served as an active-duty soldier in the U.S. Army for a brief period in 2019, from mid-March to late April. The Justice Department alleges that during his time abroad in 2024, he sought to establish connections with Hezbollah, an entity widely condemned for its militant activities and designated as a terrorist organization by multiple countries.
Upon his return to the U.S. in late 2024, Molloy was reportedly questioned by the FBI. Officials claim he lied about his intentions and affiliations during these interviews. He was arrested on December 6, 2024, in Chicago.
Promoting Hatred
.png "WASHINGTON, D.C. – A former U.S. Army soldier from Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of attempting to provide support to Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based organization designated as a foreign terrorist group by the United States. The indictment, announced by the U.S. Department of Justice, also includes charges of making false statements to the FBI. Jack Danaher Molloy, a 24-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Ireland, reportedly travelled to Lebanon and Syria in 2024 to join Hezbollah’s ranks. According to the Justice Department, Molloy’s attempts to associate with the group continued even after his return to the United States later that year. Background and Allegations Molloy served as an active-duty soldier in the U.S. Army for a brief period in 2019, from mid-March to late April. The Justice Department alleges that during his time abroad in 2024, he sought to establish connections with Hezbollah, an entity widely condemned for its militant activities and designated as a terrorist organization by multiple countries. Upon his return to the U.S. in late 2024, Molloy was reportedly questioned by the FBI. Officials claim he lied about his intentions and affiliations during these interviews. He was arrested on December 6, 2024, in Chicago. Promoting Hatred The Justice Department further alleges that Molloy engaged in rhetoric promoting violence and hatred against Jewish communities. While specific details of his statements or actions were not disclosed, officials emphasized that such behaviour aligns with Hezbollah’s broader ideological narrative. Legal Consequences If convicted, Molloy faces significant penalties. The charge of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. Additionally, the charge of making false statements to federal authorities could result in a maximum sentence of eight years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. As of now, Molloy remains in custody, and his legal representation has not provided any public statements. The case underscores the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to identify and prosecute individuals attempting to support or join foreign terrorist organizations. Broader Implications This case comes at a time of heightened scrutiny regarding domestic connections to international terrorist organizations. The Justice Department reiterated its commitment to counterterrorism efforts and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing threats posed by groups like Hezbollah. The indictment serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by radicalization and the consequences of seeking alignment with groups that threaten global security. Further updates on Molloy’s case and its legal proceedings are expected in the coming months.")
Legal Consequences
If convicted, Molloy faces significant penalties. The charge of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. Additionally, the charge of making false statements to federal authorities could result in a maximum sentence of eight years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
As of now, Molloy remains in custody, and his legal representation has not provided any public statements. The case underscores the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to identify and prosecute individuals attempting to support or join foreign terrorist organizations.
Broader Implications
This case comes at a time of heightened scrutiny regarding domestic connections to international terrorist organizations. The Justice Department reiterated its commitment to counterterrorism efforts and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing threats posed by groups like Hezbollah.
The indictment serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by radicalization and the consequences of seeking alignment with groups that threaten global security.
Further updates on Molloy’s case and its legal proceedings are expected in the coming months.