Federal and local authorities in the United States arrested two Brazilian citizens on Saturday (11) accused of planning an attack against the Chabad of South Orlando, a synagogue and Jewish school run by Rabbi Yosef Konikov and his wife, Chani Konikov.
The suspects, identified as Janaina Toledo, 32, and Leonardo Corona Ramos, 42, were arrested after a joint operation by the FBI and Florida police, which raided hotel rooms where the couple were staying in Orlando. According to authorities, both entered the United States illegally and were allegedly acting under orders from the Aragua Train, a Venezuelan criminal group known for extortion and contract killings in several Latin American countries.
According to investigations, the two were conducting surveillance and reconnaissance of the location and were in advanced stages of preparing for the attack. During the operation, agents seized several identity documents, encrypted communications equipment, and electronic devices that may contain evidence of the plan.
Law enforcement sources said the investigation was prompted by information obtained by Project Veritas, a group of independent journalists who allegedly provided communications and financial records linking the suspects to the Tren de Aragua network in the United States. Authorities believe the warning may have prevented one of the most serious planned attacks in Florida history.
Messages attributed to the suspects, obtained by investigators, reveal alarming details of the plan. In one of the communications, Ramos allegedly wrote:
“I visited the Chabad, I have a good view of the place, and it will work. I think six explosives will be enough.”
“We need to plan for next Friday—we’re not ready for today yet.”
“I can’t believe we’re this close to eliminating those damn Jews.”
The two are being held in the Orange County Jail awaiting trial on federal terrorism and drug trafficking charges .
Authorities continue to investigate the extent of the Aragua Train’s activities in the United States. According to U.S. intelligence, the group has been using irregular immigration routes to infiltrate its members and expand its criminal operations within the country.
