Cache of weapons found in van headed to NYC; 3 arrested

The Joint Terrorism Task Force is assisting in the investigation.

Officers searched the vehicle after the stop and found rifles and handguns, some of which were loaded, according to Port Authority spokesman Joseph Pentangelo.

The trio was initially stopped by Port Authority Police at a toll plaza for a cracked windshield at 7:40 a.m., authorities said.

There is no known threat.

“They may be self-styled vigilantes”, source told the New York Daily News. One of the gun magazines seized had the word “America” on it and another said “United We Stand”. The New York Police Department’s Counterterrorism Chief tweeted photos of the weapons used, describing the arrests were an “outstanding job” done by Port Authority police, adding that his department is “monitoring the events unfolding”. One man was arrested and two others are being sought, officials said.

The three are believed to be gun enthusiasts with “drug issues”, another law enforcement source said, and told investigators they were heading into the city to help out another friend with drug problems.

The most recent thwarted plot listed was the discovery of a Brooklyn-based ISIL cell that was plotting to provide material support to the Islamic State. All five men are now awaiting trial.