Robert Doggart, 65, of Signal Mountain, Tenn., was convicted by a federal jury on several charges stemming from his plot to attack a Muslim community in New York. The verdict, reported by Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler and U.S. Attorney Nancy Stallard Harr, is a huge victory in the battle against domestic terrorism and religious discrimination.
The Plot Against Islamberg
Between February and April 2015, Doggart orchestrated a plan to launch an armed attack on Islamberg, a hamlet near Hancock, New York, known for its large Muslim population. His sinister scheme included:
- Burning down a mosque, school, and cafeteria
- Recruiting accomplices through social media, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings
- Targeting religious buildings, specifically the mosque
- Discussing the use of Molotov cocktails and other explosive devices
Charges and Evidence
Doggart was found guilty on four counts:
- Soliciting another person to violate federal civil rights laws
- Soliciting another person to commit arson
- Two counts of threatening to destroy a building by fire or explosive
The prosecution presented damning evidence, including recorded phone conversations that revealed the extent of Doggart’s violent intentions. In one chilling exchange, he callously remarked, “I don’t want to have to kill children, but there’s always collateral damage.” Another recording captured Doggart describing his weapons as meant for killing people, not hunting games.
Statements from Officials
Acting Assistant Attorney General Wheeler said in a statement that the facts of the case are “serious,” adding: “The Defendant actively solicited others to assist him in a violent assault on a community of men, women and children based solely on their religion.” He commended the jury’s service and reasserted the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting religious freedom.
U.S. Attorney Harr condemned the plot, stating, “We will not tolerate threats against our nation by those who will kill innocent children, women, and men because they do not share their religious beliefs or philosophy.” She also commented on the poignant importance of the verdict being made by citizens of Chattanooga, a city that itself had been the victim of domestic terrorism less than a year and a half earlier.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Renae McDermott praised the cooperative efforts of other local and federal law enforcement agencies in stopping Doggart from putting his words into action. She stressed the need to protect all citizens with a right to seek happiness in an environment without fear of harm.
Sentence and Possible Penalties
Doggart now faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on each of the four counts. His sentencing is set for May 31, 2017, in front of U.S. District Judge Curtis L. Collier of the Eastern District of Tennessee.
Investigation and Prosecution
This case was the product of an extensive investigation by the FBI’s Knoxville Division. The Civil Rights Division’s Trial Attorney Saeed A. Mody and Assistant U.S. Attorney Perry H. Piper of the Eastern District of Tennessee prosecuted the case.
