ISLAMABAD: A former United States National Guard member has been charged with “attempting” to provide material support and resources to a member believed to be receiving them on behalf of Al-Qaeda, according to a press release by the US Department of Justice on Wednesday.
The US court records show Andrew Scott Hastings enlisted in the US Army National Guard and worked as an aircraft powertrain repairer. He also held a position with a national security clearance during his tenure.
The statement revealed that Hasting had begun communicating with an undercover agent who claimed to have contacts with al-Qaida, a militant organization.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) learned that Hastings was discussing “acts of violence against US civilians” in furtherance of global jihad on a social media app in June 2024, the statement revealed.
It stated that Hastings encouraged others in the social media group to develop cyberspace skills and to start physical training.
During the conversation, they also discussed 3D-printed firearms, machine gun conversion devices known as “switches,” and drones. Later, the accused provided the undercover agent with a link to a website where he was offering 3-D printed switches for sale, as per the statement.
Hastings also offered to provide 500 pages of notes, including army manuals related to tactics and the manufacture of weapons, to anyone interested, said the press release.
The accused also helps members on how to avoid law enforcement.
Hastings further alleged that he made a firearm and was interested in creating a nuclear weapon. He also discussed the advantages of using tunnels to protect armed militants, consistent with news reports about Hamas’s use of tunnels in Gaza, said the statement.
The case is being investigated by the US FBI and partner agencies.
