TOLEDO, OH. (THECOUNT) — Elizabeth “Bee” Ridge LeCron has been identified as the Toledo woman arrested and charged in federal court after she purchased black powder and screws that officials believe were going to be used to make a bomb as part of a terrorist attack, prosecutors said.
LeCron, 23, was charged with one count of transportation of explosives and explosive material for the purposes of harming others and property, according to records.
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Federal officials say LeCron “explicitly stated (a) desire to engage in acts of death and destruction.”
LeCron was found to be actively engaged in posting to social media images having to do with mass murder, school shootings and, in particular, she was a fan of Dylann Roof.
According to an affidavit filed in the case, LeCron came to the attention of law enforcement earlier this year after one of her associates expressed a desire to conduct a violent attack. Further investigation revealed LeCron frequently posted voluminous photographs and comments on social media glorifying mass murderers, including the Columbine shooters and Dylann Roof. source
In August, undercover FBI agents and confidential sources communicated with LeCron. In August, she stated she and an associate 1 had devised a plan to commit an “upscale mass murder” at a Toledo bar. She stated she knew the bar only had two ways in or out, which could be a tactical advantage when police arrived.
“This defendant bought black powder and hundreds of screws that she expected would be used to make a bomb,” Justin E. Herdman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio said. “Through her words and actions, she demonstrated that she was committed to seeing death and destruction in order to advance hate. This case demonstrates terrorism comes in many guises and we will remain vigilant to protect all Americans.”
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