New York bar owner says suspect arrested as would-be terrorist is 'an aggressive panhander'

Published January 01, 2016

This undated photo provided by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision shows Emanuel Lutchman, of Rochester, N.Y. Lutchman, 25, was arrested by the FBI on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015 and charged with attempting to provide material support to terrorists. Authorities say that he was planning a New Year's Eve attack at a Rochester area bar to prove to the Islamic State he was worthy to join it in Syria. (New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision via AP) (The Associated Press)

A western New York bar owner who says his restaurant was the one identified by authorities as the target of a would-be terrorist says the man arrested in the plot is "an aggressive panhandler."

The Democrat and Chronicle of Rochester (http://on.rocne.ws/1R3YfOX ) reports that Merchants Grill co-owner John Page described Emanuel Lutchman, of Rochester, as a panhandler who "caused more trouble than positive."

Federal authorities say the 25-year-old Lutchman sought to prove he was worthy of joining the Islamic State group by carrying out a New Year's Eve attack at a bar using a machete and knives provided by an FBI informant. He was arrested Wednesday.

Lutchman's lawyer, Steven Slawinski, declined to comment on the charges.

Authorities did not identify the bar, but Page said his restaurant was the supposed target.

___

Information from: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, http://www.democratandchronicle.com

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/us/new-york-bar-owner-says-suspect-arrested-as-would-be-terrorist-is-an-aggressive-panhander