A Neo-Nazi group member receives a tip that he plans to burn a local synagogue. Officers enter the apartment; they find oily rags and pamphlets; he admits he intends to burn the place down. What will he be arrested for?

• A. Possession of flammable materials (felony) with intent to burn.
• B. Attempted arson
• C. Vandalism
• D. Domestic terrorism

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that intent paired with possession of materials used to commit a crime can itself be criminal. In this scenario, the oily rags are clearly flammable materials, and his admission shows a concrete intent to use them to burn the synagogue. That combination satisfies the elements of possession of flammable materials with the intent to burn: he has the means and the plan to use them to commit arson, even though the act hasn’t started yet.

An attempted arson charge would require a more concrete step toward carrying out the crime beyond planning and possessing the means. Vandalism would require damage to property, which isn’t the stated offense here, and domestic terrorism involves broader, more extensive acts or affiliations. So the possession of flammable materials with intent to burn best fits the facts given, reflecting the criminalization of possessing the means to commit arson when there is clear intent to use them.