Man accused of plotting terror attack on SF’s Pier 39 indicted

A man who allegedly told undercover FBI agents he was planning an armed Christmas Day attack on Pier 39 in San Francisco was indicted on terrorism charges.

A federal grand jury in Fresno charged Everitt Jameson on Thursday with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, the Islamic State, and with a second felony, providing information about making bombs to an agent he believed was working for the Islamic State.

Jameson, 26, of Modesto, is a tow truck driver who converted to Islam after being expelled from the Marines, which trained him as a sharpshooter. Prosecutors said he was arrested at his home on Dec. 20 after an investigation that started when an unnamed confidential source told the FBI that Jameson’s Facebook account contained posts endorsing the Islamic State and terrorism.

Guests stroll through Pier 39 in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Dec. 22, 2017. FBI officials have taken a person into custody who, authorities say, was planning a terrorist attack at the popular tourist destination on Christmas Day. less Guests stroll through Pier 39 in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Dec. 22, 2017. FBI officials have taken a person into custody who, authorities say, was planning a terrorist attack at the popular tourist ... more Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle Buy photo Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle Image 1 of / 12 Caption Close Man accused of plotting terror attack on SF’s Pier 39 indicted 1 / 12 Back to Gallery

According to an FBI affidavit, agents posing as Islamic State representatives met with Jameson, who eventually told them he wanted to attack Pier 39 on Christmas, when it would be filled with tourists, and was ready to die in the assault.

But the FBI said Jameson told agents on Dec. 18 that he had changed his mind and was calling off the attack. The agent’s affidavit said the reason may have been a phone call that another FBI employee mistakenly made to Jameson from Washington, D.C., earlier that day. The employee hung up when Jameson answered in Arabic, and Jameson’s return call reached a voice mailbox that identified the employee by name but did not specify the government agency, the affidavit said.

But the FBI said Jameson told agents after his arrest that he still supported the Islamic State and terrorism and would be happy if such an attack were carried out. Agents said they found two rifles, a pistol, ammunition and fireworks in his home.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@egelko