SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)– San Francisco’s Pier 39 was packed Saturday afternoon, just one day after FBI agents stopped a terror attack that was planned for Christmas day.

According to FBI documents, 26-year-old Everitt Aaron Jameson, of Modesto, was allegedly planning an attack targeting Pier 39.

Jameson specially named Pier 39 as his target because “he has been there before and knew that it was a heavily crowded area,” the documents said.

An undercover investigation revealed the former U.S. Marine suggested using explosives to funnel people into an area where he could inflict causalities in the name of ISIS on Christmas day.

He also allegedly stated that “Christmas was the perfect day” to commit the attack and that he did not need an escape plan because he was “ready to die.”

Family members told KRON4 Jameson converted to Islam, but they had no reason to believe he would do anything violent.

Jameson told the undercover agent that he wanted to commit an attack that was “something along the lines of New York or San Bernardino,” the documents say. The agent said the New York attack he was referring to was the October 31 attack during which a driver used his truck to killed 9 people.

The agent said Jameson wanted to do a combination of the two attacks, referring to the use of firearms and vehicles.

Jameson, who was set for an afternoon court appearance in federal court in Fresno, had attended Marine basic recruit training in 2009 and earned a sharpshooter rifle qualification.

He was discharged for failing to disclose a history of asthma, the documents said. He referred to his military service in comments to undercover agents.

“I have been trained in combat and things of war,” Jameson told the agent.

While discussing the plan, Jameson allegedly told the agent that he needed ammunition, powder, tubing, and nails.

When asked what kind of a weapon he would need, Jameson stated he would prefer an assault rifle, the documents say.

He also allegedly told the agent that he was trained in both the M-16 and an AK-47 rifle and said that he needed timers and remote detonators for the explosives.

On December 20, a search warrant was served at Jameson’s residence located in Modesto to gather evidence in support of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities found a will, firearms, ammunition and a handwritten letter:

I Abdallah adu Everitt ibn Gordon have committed these acts upon the Kuffar, in the name of Dar al Islam, Allahu AKbar! You all have brought this upon yourselyes. There are no innocent Kuffar! Each and every Kuffar in this Nationalistic, Godless society has a hand in this. You’ve Allowed Donald J Trump to give away Al Quds to the Jews. Both You and he are wrong, it belongs to the Muslemeen. We have penetrated and infiltrated your disgusting country. These Acts will continue until the Lions of Islam overtake you. Turn to Allah, make tawbah and fight with us, the soldiers who fight in the day and the night. Allah SWT is most forgiving, I am not. Long live Isil, Long Live Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Allahu Akbar! Abdallah abu Everitt ibn Gordon al-Amriki

Jameson was formally charged Friday with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

He was under surveillance and “the public was never in imminent danger,” FBI spokeswoman Katherine Zackel said in a statement.

She and San Francisco Acting Mayor London Breed both said there are no other known threats, though police increased their presence throughout the city after being notified of the FBI investigation several days ago.

“San Francisco is a city that proudly champions democracy, freedom and liberty. Sadly, that makes our home a target,” Breed said in a statement. “We will not allow the thwarted attempts of one dangerous individual to disrupt our way of life. We will remain vigilant and continue to protect our city from any threat.”

She also said the San Francisco Police Department will be increasing its presence throughout the city.

Statement from SFPD:

The San Francisco Police Department was notified by the FBI about this investigation several days ago and we remain in contact with our local, state and federal partners as this case proceeds. The safety of all San Francisco residents and visitors is our top priority. As we have stated in previous weeks, during the holiday season the public will notice an increased law enforcement presence in shopping corridors and at our City’s attractions. As always, “if you see something, say something.” We encourage the community to contact officers or 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity.

KRON4’s Ella Sogomonian spoke to visitors at Pier 39 who were glad law enforcement agents intervened.

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