Individual attempt on the National Mall disrupted

On Monday, August 22, 2011, at 8:30 p.m., an officer of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Division, was on patrol at Cabin John Regional Park (10601 Westlake Drive, Bethesda, Maryland). The officer saw a subject in a red jeep Cherokee that was parked in an isolated part of the park after the park was closed. As he approached the vehicle, he found fireworks in the vehicle. Montgomery County Fire Rescue responded and their investigation revealed that the Jeep had been fitted with a turret and multiple tubes from which fireworks were to be deployed. The Joint Terrorism Task Force was notified and responded as well.

The subject was identified as Glenn Neff, 27, of Stewart, Florida. Neff made statements that he didn’t want to hurt anyone. The device was made to draw attention to himself and issues he had with the banking industry. He had planned to ignite them on the National Mall. Also located in his vehicle was drug paraphernalia and alcohol. Montgomery County Fire and Explosive Investigations Section rendered the devices safe on the scene. The subject has been taken into custody.

Charges have been filed against Glenn Neff. They include three felony charges: possession of a destructive device, transport of a destructive device and manufacture of a destructive device. Each charge carries a penalty of up to 25 years. Additionally, he was charged with five counts of CDS paraphernalia and misdemeanor possession of fireworks. Neff is also being charged with the civil charge of Use of a park after dark. Bond has been set at $2,000,000 dollars.