A former U.S. Army soldier from Pennsylvania has been charged with trying to join the terrorist group Hezbollah and lying to the FBI about his actions. Jack Danaher Molloy, 24, a dual U.S.-Irish citizen, was indicted on charges related to providing support to Hezbollah and making false statements to the FBI.
Molloy, who previously lived in Pittsburgh, allegedly traveled to Lebanon and Syria between August and December 2024 with the intent of joining Hezbollah. While in Lebanon, he was told to delay his plans, but he continued his efforts and went to Syria, hoping to fight for the group. After returning to the U.S., Molloy reportedly expressed anti-Semitic views and continued trying to align with Hezbollah.
Federal authorities said that Molloy used offensive online usernames, such as “KIKEKILLER313” on X (formerly Twitter), and researched where Robert Bowers, the person responsible for the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, was incarcerated. Molloy also allegedly shared hate-filled messages and displayed a deep hatred for Jewish people.
In October 2024, Molloy was stopped by FBI agents when he arrived at Pittsburgh International Airport. He allegedly lied about his intentions and his trip to Syria. Molloy now faces up to 28 years in prison if convicted.
The FBI’s Pittsburgh and Chicago field offices led the investigation into Molloy’s activities, with help from the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt and Trial Attorney Andrew Briggs are handling the case.
Molloy is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
