Yusuf Jama was a U.S. foreign fighter who is believed to have died in battle while fighting for ISIS in late 2014. Jama was a resident of Minneapolis and graduated from high school in August 2012. According to prosecutors, Jama had attempted to join ISIS once before in May 2014 but he and his friend Guled Ali Omar were discouraged from leaving the United States by Omar’s family.Laura Yuen, Mukhtar Ibrahim, and Sasha Aslanian, “Called to fight: Minnesota’s ISIS recruits,” MPR News, March 25, 2015, http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/03/25/minnesota-isis#yjama. Jama successfully managed to leave the United States for Turkey on June 9, 2014.Laura Yuen, Mukhtar Ibrahim, and Sasha Aslanian, “Called to fight: Minnesota’s ISIS recruits,” MPR News, March 25, 2015, http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/03/25/minnesota-isis#yjama.

Jama was one of a significant proportion of U.S. foreign fighters to have emerged from the state of Minnesota.Mike Durkin, “Minnesota responsible for 15 of 58 American ISIS recruits,” Fox 9 News, September 29, 2015, http://www.fox9.com/news/26238851-story.

The Twitter user known as “Bint Crackers” maintains what she called a “shoutout” account, drawing attention to other jihadist Twitter users.Bint Crackers, Twitter post, July 9, 2015, 8:37 p.m., https://twitter.com/ummglasses/status/619304378063716352. Her stated goal is to help other users find their “baqiya family,” other ISIS supporters. Crackers does not explicitly call for violence, but she supports other “radical” users who make “the kuffar so angry that they could just go die in their rage.”Bint Crackers, Twitter post, July 9, 2015, 5:32 p.m., https://twitter.com/ummglasses/status/619257803597676546.

The accounts Crackers directs followers to are regularly suspended and reappear under new names.

Crackers also warned her “uktis,” Islamic brothers and sisters, about fake accounts and posting too much information online.

Crackers advocates an extreme adherence to Islam. She has threatened to ban users who not wear a hijab, and castigated al-Qaeda supporters for not wearing a hijab.

Crackers has also promoted radical Islamist preachers such as Abu Haleema, a British cleric who has been banned from social media for promoting terrorism.Martin Bentham and Colin Cortbus, “Radical London preacher Abu Haleema banned from promoting his views online,” London Evening Standard, May 26, 2015, http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/radical-london-preacher-abu-haleema-banned-from-promoting-his-views-online-10275924.html.

Crackers also maintained an Ask.fm account, which she deactivated on August 3, 2015. She revealed on Ask.fm that she is a convert to Islam, she is single, and she does not live in ISIS-held territory.Bint Crackers, Ask.fm post, July 29, 2015, http://ask.fm/abc1to3/answer/130603298117.

Crackers does not reveal her location, but some posts suggest she is a U.S. citizen or at least from the West. Despite her support for Islamist Twitter users, Crackers has posted tweets calling on U.S. President Barack Obama to take action against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Crackers also questioned the Iranian nuclear deal because of Iran’s anti-America ideology.

Crackers deactivated her Twitter account on August 3, 2015, shortly after privatizing her tweets. Crackers admitted she had been previously suspended, but it is unknown how many Twitter accounts she held.

Crackers returned to Twitter a few days later. Her profile, once again public, revealed that she had announced she would take a break from Twitter for a few days.Bint Crackers, Twitter post, August 1, 2015, 7:34 a.m., https://twitter.com/ummglasses/status/627442321693356032.

Nader Saadeh is an American ISIS supporter who allegedly attempted to join the terrorist group in the spring of 2015. He flew to Jordan on May 5, 2015, with the intention of meeting his brother, Alaa Saadeh, and Samuel Rahamin Topaz in Turkey to cross over into ISIS-held territory.U.S. Department of Justice, “Former New Jersey Resident Charged with Conspiracy and Attempt to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” FBI, August 10, 2015, https://www.fbi.gov/newark/press-releases/2015/former-new-jersey-resident-charged-with-conspiracy-and-attempt-to-provide-material-support-to-isil. Jordanian authorities detained him and he soon returned to the United States.“United States of America v. Nader Saadeh,” U.S. District Court District of New Jersey, August 1, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/705621/download. The FBI arrested Saadeh in New Jersey on August 10, 2015.U.S. Department of Justice, “Former New Jersey Resident Charged with Conspiracy and Attempt to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” FBI, August 10, 2015, https://www.fbi.gov/newark/press-releases/2015/former-new-jersey-resident-charged-with-conspiracy-and-attempt-to-provide-material-support-to-isil. He originally plednot guilty but later, in December 2015, agreed to a plea bargain. He faces up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.“New Jersey Man Charged With Plotting To Support ISIS Militants,” CBS News, August 10, 2015, http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/08/10/nj-terror-plot-charge/;
Jaimie Julia Winters, “Rutherford resident admits to conspiring with ISIS,” NorthJersey.com, December 10, 2015, http://www.northjersey.com/community-news/2.4225/rutherford-resident-admits-to-conspiring-with-isis-1.1471871.

Saadeh and his brother Alaa are dual citizens of the United States and Jordan.According to Saaedh’s criminal complaint, his parents were deported from the United States for criminal convictions, though the year is not specified. As of April 2015, the Saadehs’ father lived in Oman and their mother lived in Jordan. Following their parents’ deportation, the Saadeh boys lived with a person identified in the complaint as “Individual 1.” This person informed the FBI in April 2015 of the Saadehs’ plan to join ISIS.“United States of America v. Nader Saadeh,” U.S. District Court District of New Jersey, August 1, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/705621/download.

Beginning in late 2014, Saadeh allegedly grew more radical and deepened his religious observance. He dyed his beard red with henna—a custom demonstrating piety—and began wearing traditional Islamic clothes. During this time Saadeh allegedly converted Topaz to Islam.“United States of America v. Nader Saadeh,” U.S. District Court District of New Jersey, August 1, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/705621/download.

Saadeh allegedly “justified” the Charlie Hebdo attack and ISIS’s immolation of Muath al-Kaseasbeh, a Jordanian air force pilot captured by the terror group.U.S. Department of Justice, “Former New Jersey Resident Charged with Conspiracy and Attempt to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” FBI, August 10, 2015, https://www.fbi.gov/newark/press-releases/2015/former-new-jersey-resident-charged-with-conspiracy-and-attempt-to-provide-material-support-to-isil. He began referring to ISIS as his Muslim brothers and professed ISIS-controlled territory was a state. He insisted ISIS had never committed any human-rights violations and was the only group fighting for “freedom.”

Saadeh allegedly believes other governments have been influenced into opposing ISIS through government and media propaganda.“United States of America v. Nader Saadeh,” U.S. District Court District of New Jersey, August 1, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/705621/download.

Nader Elhuzayel is a California resident and U.S. citizen who was convicted in June 2016 on terrorism-related and bank fraud charges. Elhuzayel had conspired with Muhanad Badawi to join ISIS abroad.“United States of America v. Nader Elhuzayel and Muhanad Badawi,” U.S. District Court Central District of California, May 22, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/file/441231/download;
Richard Winton, “Two O.C. men convicted of conspiring to fight with the Islamic State,” Los Angeles Times, June 21, 2016, http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-oc-islamic-state-convicted-20160621-snap-story.html.

According to federal prosecutors, Elhuzayel and Badawi had used Twitter and Facebook to discuss plans to join ISIS. Elhuzayel was arrested in May 2015 at Los Angeles International Airport while apparently preparing to board a flight to Turkey.Alyssa Duranty, Scott Schwebke, and Theresa Walker, “2 Anaheim men suspected of supporting ISIS appear in court, face 15 years in prison if convicted,” Orange County Register, May 22, 2015, http://www.ocregister.com/articles/force-662727-task-terrorism.html. To finance the flight, Elhuzayel had deposited stolen checks into personal checking accounts in three different banks, according to prosecutors. He then withdrew the money at bank offices and ATMs in and around Orange County, California.Richard Winton, “Two O.C. men convicted of conspiring to fight with the Islamic State,” Los Angeles Times, June 21, 2016, http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-oc-islamic-state-convicted-20160621-snap-story.html. Elhuzayel’s co-conspirator Muhanad Badawi had purchased Elhuzayel’s ticket. He was arrested the same day at a gas station in Anaheim, California.

Elhuzayel’s parents are Palestinian immigrants who reportedly believed their son was traveling to the West Bank to visit family after a layover in Turkey.Alyssa Duranty, Scott Schwebke, and Theresa Walker, “2 Anaheim men suspected of supporting ISIS appear in court, face 15 years in prison if convicted,” Orange County Register, May 22, 2015, http://www.ocregister.com/articles/force-662727-task-terrorism.html. In an interview with the FBI, Elhuzayel admitted that he intended to cross into ISIS-held territory once inside Turkey.“Two California Men Arrested on Charges of Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 22, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-california-men-arrested-charges-conspiring-provide-material-support-isil. Speaking to the Orange County Register, Elhuzayel’s father, Salem, called his son’s Tweets “nonsensical talk” and said that somebody “must be speaking” on his son’s behalf.Alyssa Duranty, Scott Schwebke, and Theresa Walker, “2 Anaheim men suspected of supporting ISIS appear in court, face 15 years in prison if convicted,” Orange County Register, May 22, 2015, http://www.ocregister.com/articles/force-662727-task-terrorism.html. Elhuzayel’s mother, Falak, told California media that her son bought a one-way ticket because he didn’t know how long he would stay in the West Bank.Joel Rubin and Joseph Serna, “O.C. men plead not guilty to plotting to fight for Islamic State,” Los Angeles Times, June 8, 2015, http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-oc-men-islamic-state-20150608-story.html. The Elhuzayel family lives in a motel in Anaheim, California, having been evicted from their home in 2013 after they declared bankruptcy.Joel Rubin and Joseph Serna, “O.C. men plead not guilty to plotting to fight for Islamic State,” Los Angeles Times, June 8, 2015, http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-oc-men-islamic-state-20150608-story.html;
Alyssa Duranty, Scott Schwebke, and Theresa Walker, “2 Anaheim men suspected of supporting ISIS appear in court, face 15 years in prison if convicted,” Orange County Register, May 22, 2015, http://www.ocregister.com/articles/force-662727-task-terrorism.html.

Elhuzayel and Badawi reportedly met in 2012 while Elhuzayel attended general education classes at Cypress College.Alyssa Duranty, Scott Schwebke, and Theresa Walker, “2 Anaheim men suspected of supporting ISIS appear in court, face 15 years in prison if convicted,” Orange County Register, May 22, 2015, http://www.ocregister.com/articles/force-662727-task-terrorism.html. According to press reports, Elhuzayel hoped to earn a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, and worked as an occasional landscaper. He had completed a medical billing program at American Career College.Alyssa Duranty, Scott Schwebke, and Theresa Walker, “2 Anaheim men suspected of supporting ISIS appear in court, face 15 years in prison if convicted,” Orange County Register, May 22, 2015, http://www.ocregister.com/articles/force-662727-task-terrorism.html. The two began attending the West Coast Islamic Society in Anaheim, California, in late 2014. According to the mosque’s leadership, Elhuzayel and Badawi did not often associate with other members.Alyssa Duranty, Scott Schwebke, and Theresa Walker, “2 Anaheim men suspected of supporting ISIS appear in court, face 15 years in prison if convicted,” Orange County Register, May 22, 2015, http://www.ocregister.com/articles/force-662727-task-terrorism.html. Elhuzayel’s mother, Falak, described Elhuzayel as “Muslim, but not very religious.”Joel Rubin and Joseph Serna, “O.C. men plead not guilty to plotting to fight for Islamic State,” Los Angeles Times, June 8, 2015, http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-oc-men-islamic-state-20150608-story.html.

Elhuzayel used the ISIS flag as his profile picture on Facebook, where he had posted about his desire to join the supposed fight against non-Muslims.Richard Winton, “Two O.C. men convicted of conspiring to fight with the Islamic State,” Los Angeles Times, June 21, 2016, http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-oc-islamic-state-convicted-20160621-snap-story.html. Elhuzayel also reportedly used the online dating website OKCupid and began a relationship with a woman in the Palestinian territories who also supported ISIS.Alyssa Duranty, Scott Schwebke, and Theresa Walker, “2 Anaheim men suspected of supporting ISIS appear in court, face 15 years in prison if convicted,” Orange County Register, May 22, 2015, http://www.ocregister.com/articles/force-662727-task-terrorism.html. According to the criminal complaint filed against him, Elhuzayel and the woman in question talked daily and had made plans to marry. “United States of America v. Nader Elhuzayel and MuhanadBadawi,” U.S. District Court Central District of California, May 22, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/file/441231/download.

Elhuzayel pled not guilty to charges leveled against him, despite waiving his Miranda rights upon arrest and admitting his plan to join ISIS in interviews with the FBI.Alyssa Duranty, Scott Schwebke, and Theresa Walker, “2 Anaheim men suspected of supporting ISIS appear in court, face 15 years in prison if convicted,” Orange County Register, May 22, 2015, http://www.ocregister.com/articles/force-662727-task-terrorism.html. A federal jury in California convicted Elhuzayel and Badawi of conspiring to provide material support to ISIS on June 21, 2016. Elhuzayel was also convicted of 26 counts of bank fraud.Richard Winton, “Two O.C. men convicted of conspiring to fight with the Islamic State,” Los Angeles Times, June 21, 2016, http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-oc-islamic-state-convicted-20160621-snap-story.html.

Elhuzayel faces up to 15 years in prison for the material support charge and up to 30 years for each count of bank fraud.Richard Winton, “Two O.C. men convicted of conspiring to fight with the Islamic State,” Los Angeles Times, June 21, 2016, http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-oc-islamic-state-convicted-20160621-snap-story.html.

The FBI arrested U.S. Army National Guard Specialist Hasan Rasheed Edmonds of Aurora, Illinois, in March 2015 for attempting to join ISIS. He was arrested while attempting to fly to Cairo from the Chicago Midway International Airport. Edmonds’s cousin, Jonas Marcel Edmonds, was simultaneously arrested at his Aurora home, and both were charged with conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.“US Army National Guard Soldier and His Cousin Arrested for Conspiring to Support Terrorism (ISIL),” U.S. Department of Justice, March 26, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-army-national-guard-soldier-and-his-cousin-arrested-conspiring-support-terrorism-isil. The defendants allegedly planned for Jonas to carry out acts of violence in the United States once Hasan was abroad.“US Army National Guard Soldier and his Cousin Arrested for Conspiring to Support Terrorism (ISIL),” United States Department of Justice, March 26, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-army-national-guard-soldier-and-his-cousin-arrested-conspiring-support-terrorism-isil. Hasan pled guilty in December 2015 and was sentenced to 30 years in prison on September 20, 2016.Jason Meisner, “National Guard member and cousin given long prison terms for terror plot,” Chicago Tribune, September 20, 2016, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-terror-plot-joliet-armory-met-20160920-story.html.

The FBI grew suspicious of Edmonds in 2014 and subsequently sent him a friend request on Facebook.“United States of America v. Hasan Edmonds and Jonas M. Edmonds,” U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division, March 25, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/opa/press-releases/attachments/2015/03/26/edmonds_complaint_0.pdf. Through Facebook, Edmonds and an undercover FBI agent began a series of conversations about joining ISIS and planning domestic attacks.“United States of America v. Hasan Edmonds and Jonas M. Edmonds,” U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division, March 25, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/opa/press-releases/attachments/2015/03/26/edmonds_complaint_0.pdf. According to the FBI, Edmonds used his military access and knowledge to plan an attack on a nearby military installation.“United States of America v. Hasan Edmonds and Jonas M. Edmonds,” U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division, March 25, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/opa/press-releases/attachments/2015/03/26/edmonds_complaint_0.pdf. He had also allegedly planned to use his military training to fight for ISIS overseas.“US Army National Guard Soldier and His Cousin Arrested for Conspiring to Support Terrorism (ISIL),” U.S. Department of Justice, March 26, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-army-national-guard-soldier-and-his-cousin-arrested-conspiring-support-terrorism-isil.

Edmonds and his cousin were arrested before an attack took place. The pair initially pled not guilty in April 2015,Jon Seidel, “Aurora men accused of plot to join ISIL plead not guilty,” Chicago Sun-Times, April 8, 2015, http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/509447/aurora-men-accused-plot-join-isil-plead-guilty. but switched to a guilty plea in December of that year.“Aurora Cousins Face Sentencing For Terror Plot on Guard Base,” CBS Chicago, September 20, 2016, http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/09/20/aurora-cousins-face-sentencing-for-terror-plot-on-guard-base/. On September 20, 2016, Edmonds was sentenced to 30 years in prison. His cousin, Jonas Edmonds, received a 21-year sentence.Jason Meisner, “National Guard member and cousin given long prison terms for terror plot,” Chicago Tribune, September 20, 2016, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-terror-plot-joliet-armory-met-20160920-story.html.

New York resident Arafat Nagi was indicted by a grand jury in August 2015 for attempting to provide material support to ISIS.“Arafat Nagi Indicted by Grand Jury,” Channel 2 WGRZ News, August 15, 2015, http://www.wgrz.com/story/news/crime/2015/08/12/arafat-nagi-indicted--grand-jury/31559001/. The FBI alleges Nagi traveled to Turkey in October 2012 and July 2014 hoping to meet with ISIS members in Syria.“United States of America against Arafat Nagi,” United States District Court, Western District of New York, July 28, 2015, http://download.gannett.edgesuite.net/wgrz/news/nagi.pdf. He pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to ISIS in January 2018,“United States of America v. Arafat Nagi – Plea Agreement,” United States District Court for the Western District of New York, January 22, 2018, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/Arafat%20Nagi%20Plea%20Agreement.pdf, 1. and in June 2018, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by 15 years of post-release supervision.“Lackawanna Man Sentenced For Attempting To Provide Support To ISIS,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Western District of New York, June 11, 2018, https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/lackawanna-man-sentenced-attempting-provide-support-isis.

An acquaintance of Nagi alerted FBI agents in Buffalo, New York, of Nagi’s pro-jihadist statements within the Lackawanna community. The tipster allegedly stated that Nagi “was angry about the killing of rebels in Yemen, which he blamed on the United States; pledged an oath to ISIL leaders; expressed agreement with ISIL tactics, including the killing of innocent men, women and children,” using another acronym for the terror group.“United States of America against Arafat Nagi,” United States District Court, Western District of New York, July 28, 2015, http://download.gannett.edgesuite.net/wgrz/news/nagi.pdf.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) records confirm Nagi’s travels in 2012 and 2014 to Yemen via Turkey. On his return to the Detroit Airport on September 19, 2014, Nagi denied having any interest in Islamist groups in a CBP interview. Nagi stated that he went on a two-month long vacation “to get away from his family.” He told CBP personnel that he first spent 10 days in Istanbul and then proceeded to Yemen, where he visited Sana’a and then continued on to Nadra to visit an uncle, before returning to the U.S.

Nagi explicitly told the CBP he did not support AQAP, ISIS, or al-Qaeda central. The FBI agent’s statements added that Nagi’s denials were inconsistent with his social media and Internet statements.“United States of America against Arafat Nagi,” United States District Court, Western District of New York, July 28, 2015, http://download.gannett.edgesuite.net/wgrz/news/nagi.pdf.

Nagi used Twitter to pledge his allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and regularly tweeted about his goal to fight with ISIS in Syria.Mark Belcher, “Tweets, texts, more helped FBI build case against alleged ISIL terrorist,” WIVB News 4, July 29, 2015, http://wivb.com/2015/07/29/tweets-texts-more-helped-fbi-build-case-against-alleged-isil-terrorist/. The FBI reviewed more than 7,000 tweets from Nagi’s own accounts and retweets of Nagi’s statements from 278 different Twitter users. The FBI believed that approximately half of Nagi’s followers were connected to ISIS either as sympathizers or members of the terror group.Mark Belcher, “Tweets, texts, more helped FBI build case against alleged ISIL terrorist,” WIVB News 4, July 29, 2015, http://wivb.com/2015/07/29/tweets-texts-more-helped-fbi-build-case-against-alleged-isil-terrorist/.

The FBI also reviewed Nagi’s profile on Tango, an app which provides free calls and messaging. The messaging provided access to conversations Nagi had with friends while travelling. The FBI alleges that in one Tango message from Nagi in 2014, he admitted he was not in Turkey for vacation.Mark Belcher, “Tweets, texts, more helped FBI build case against alleged ISIL terrorist,” WIVB News 4, July 29, 2015, http://wivb.com/2015/07/29/tweets-texts-more-helped-fbi-build-case-against-alleged-isil-terrorist/.

In 2013, Lackawanna Police arrested Nagi for threatening to behead his daughter. Mark Belcher, “Tweets, texts, more helped FBI build case against alleged ISIL terrorist,” WIVB News 4, July 29, 2015, http://wivb.com/2015/07/29/tweets-texts-more-helped-fbi-build-case-against-alleged-isil-terrorist/.

On January 22, 2018, Nagi pleaded guilty in federal court to “attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.”“United States of America v. Arafat Nagi – Plea Agreement,” United States District Court for the Western District of New York, January 22, 2018, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/Arafat%20Nagi%20Plea%20Agreement.pdf, 1. On June 11, 2018, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by 15 years of post-release supervision.“Lackawanna Man Sentenced For Attempting To Provide Support To ISIS,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Western District of New York, June 11, 2018, https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/lackawanna-man-sentenced-attempting-provide-support-isis. He is currently incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institute in Terra Haute, Indiana, with an expected release date of May 9, 2028.“ARAFAT M NAGI,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed March 17, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Alexander Ciccolo is an American citizen from Adams, Massachusetts, convicted of attempting to provide material support to ISIS. He is the son of a Boston police captain, Robert Ciccolo, who was responsible for alerting the FBI about his son's activities.Pete Williams and Tracy Connor, “Alexander Ciccolo, Boston Cop’s Son, Busted for Alleged Terror Plot,” NBC News, July 14, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boston-cops-son-alexander-ciccolo-busted-alleged-terror-plot-n391246 Ciccolo was arrested in an FBI sting operation in western Massachusetts on July 4, 2015, after purchasing four weapons from an undercover FBI operative. After his arrest, he reportedly reaffirmed his support for ISIS.“Government’s Memorandum in Support of Its Motion to Detain Alexander Ciccolo,” United States District Court District of Massachuetts, July 13, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/629331/download. Ciccolo pled guilty in May 2018 and was sentenced to 20 years in prison that September.“Boston police captain’s son gets 20 years for terror plot,” Associated Press, September 6, 2018, https://www.apnews.com/c6c6e6669b3a47bb91ace7f8ab61078b/Boston-police-captain's-son-gets-20-years-for-terror-plot.

A former peace activist who participated in a “peace walk” in 2012, Ciccolo reportedly turned on his father and other family members who were also police officers.Brian Ross, Michele McPhee, and Brian Epstein, “Alexander Ciccolo, Cop’s Son Arrested in Alleged Terror Plot, Appears in Court,” ABC News, July 14, 2015, http://abcnews.go.com/US/accused-terrorist-son-cop-expected-court/story?id=32438388. He converted to Islam, reportedly becoming “obsessed” with the religionPete Williams and Tracy Connor, “Alexander Ciccolo, Boston Cop’s Son, Busted for Alleged Terror Plot,” NBC News, July 14, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boston-cops-son-alexander-ciccolo-busted-alleged-terror-plot-n391246. and was reportedly inspired by the Tunisian beach bomb attacks and Boston Marathon bomb attacks. Ciccolo used the alias “Ali Al Amriki” online. Like the Boston Marathon bombing, Ciccolo reportedly tried to build his own pressure-cooker bombs, having bought a pressure cooker from a North Adams, Massachusetts, Walmart, according to the FBI.Pete Williams and Tracy Connor, “Alexander Ciccolo, Boston Cop’s Son, Busted for Alleged Terror Plot,” NBC News, July 14, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boston-cops-son-alexander-ciccolo-busted-alleged-terror-plot-n391246; “Government’s Memorandum in Support of Its Motion to Detain Alexander Ciccolo,” United States District Court District of Massachuetts, July 13, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/629331/download.

Ciccolo’s father reported him to the FBI in the fall of 2014 saying he had become a jihadist and intended to become a foreign fighter for ISIS.Pete Williams and Tracy Connor, “Alexander Ciccolo, Boston Cop’s Son, Busted for Alleged Terror Plot,” NBC News, July 14, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boston-cops-son-alexander-ciccolo-busted-alleged-terror-plot-n391246 That October, the FBI discovered a Facebook page under the name Ali Al Amriki, whom they identified as Alexander Ciccolo. The page contained images and statements praising ISIS. In 2015, Ciccolo began speaking with an undercover FBI operative, who said that Ciccolo wanted to travel to another state to set off pressure cooker bombs at bars and police stations. Ciccolo allegedly later told the agent that he wanted to attack a university and execute students live on the Internet.Pete Williams and Tracy Connor, “Alexander Ciccolo, Boston Cop’s Son, Busted for Alleged Terror Plot,” NBC News, last updated July 14, 2015, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boston-cops-son-alexander-ciccolo-busted-alleged-terror-plot-n391246.

In July 2015, Ciccolo ordered a 223 Colt AR-15 rifle, 556 Sig Arms SG550 rifle, 9mm Glock 17 handgun, and 10mm Glock 20 handgun from an FBI cooperating witness. The FBI arrested Ciccolo on July 4, 2015, after he took possession of the firearms.Brian Ross, Michele McPhee, Brian Epstein, “Alexander Ciccolo, Cop’s Son Arrested in Alleged Terror Plot, Appears in Court,” ABC News, July 14, 2015, http://abcnews.go.com/US/accused-terrorist-son-cop-expected-court/story?id=32438388; “Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Terrorism Charges,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 21, 2018, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/massachusetts-man-pleads-guilty-terrorism-charges. The FBI charged Ciccolo with being a felon in possession of firearms as he was on probation for driving under the influence earlier that year.“Massachusetts Man Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of Firearms,” U.S. Department of Justice, July 13, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/massachusetts-man-charged-being-felon-possession-firearms. The FBI also said it found several partially assembled Molotov cocktails during a search of Ciccolo’s apartment after his arrest.“Massachusetts Man Charged in Connection with Plot to Engage in Terrorism Plot,” U.S. Department of Justice, July 23, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/massachusetts-man-charged-connection-plot-engage-terrorism-plot.

During his intake at Franklin County Correctional Center, Ciccolo stabbed a nurse in the head with a pen more than 10 times, “leaving a bloody hole in the nurse’s skin and causing the pen to break in half.”“Government’s Memorandum in Support of Its Motion to Detain Alexander Ciccolo,” United States District Court District of Massachuetts, July 13, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/629331/download. Ciccolo apparently has a “long history of mental illness,” according to a September 2014 tip to the FBI.Pete Williams and Tracy Connor, “Alexander Ciccolo, Boston Cop’s Son, Busted for Alleged Terror Plot,” NBC News, July 14, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/boston-cops-son-alexander-ciccolo-busted-alleged-terror-plot-n391246. Ciccolo appeared at a Boston court on July 14, 2015, accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired bombing attack on an unnamed university.David Beori, “Did The Boston Police Captain Who Warned FBI About His Son Have Other Choices?” National Public Radio Boston (WBUR), July 20, 2015, http://www.wbur.org/2015/07/20/alexander-ciccolo-father-criminal-versus-civil.

Ciccolo initially pled not guilty in July 2016.“Police captain’s son pleads not guilty to terrorism charges,” Associated Press, July 7, 2016, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ec4672cf645c42b58ffcfb855624ff4b/police-captains-son-pleads-not-guilty-terrorism-charges. On May 21, 2018, he pled guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, one count of attempting to use weapons of mass destruction, one count of being a convicted person in possession of firearms, and one count of assaulting a nurse during a jail intake process by use of a deadly weapon causing bodily injury.“Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Terrorism Charges,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 21, 2018, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/massachusetts-man-pleads-guilty-terrorism-charges. Ciccolo was sentenced to 20 years in prison on September 5, 2018.“Boston police captain’s son gets 20 years for terror plot,” Associated Press, September 6, 2018, https://www.apnews.com/c6c6e6669b3a47bb91ace7f8ab61078b/Boston-police-captain's-son-gets-20-years-for-terror-plot.

New Jersey resident Alaa Saadeh belonged to a group of alleged U.S.-based ISIS supporters and would-be foreign fighters that included his younger brother, Nader Saadeh, Samuel Rahamin Topaz, and others. The FBI arrested Saadeh on June 29, 2015.“New Jersey Man Charged With Conspiracy To Provide Material Support To ISIL And Witness Tampering,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 29, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/new-jersey-man-charged-conspiracy-provide-material-support-isil-and-witness-tamperings. Following his arrest, Saadeh told the FBI that he, Nader Saadeh, and Topaz watched ISIS propaganda videos together and planned to join the terrorist group abroad.“United States of America v. Nader Saadeh,” U.S. District Court District of New Jersey, August 1, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/705621/download.

Saadeh was charged with conspiring to provide services and personnel to ISIS, aiding and abetting an attempt to provide services and personnel to ISIS, and attempting to persuade a witness to lie to the FBI.“New Jersey Man Charged With Conspiracy To Provide Material Support To ISIL And Witness Tampering,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 29, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/new-jersey-man-charged-conspiracy-provide-material-support-isil-and-witness-tamperings. During the trial, Saadeh admitted to providing credit cards and other materials to members of the New Jersey cell in order to facilitate their travel to ISIS-held territory. Saadeh pled guilty to providing material support to a terrorist organization in October 2015. In May 2016, Saadeh was sentenced to 15 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release.Jonathan Dienst, “NJ Man Who Tried to Help Organize 'Small Army' For ISIS Gets 15 Years in Prison,” NBC News, May 10, 2016, http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/ISIS-Fighter-Suspect-Sentenced-Prison-New-Jersey-Alaa-Saadeh-NJ-378837431.html.

Saadeh had no criminal record prior to his arrest.Jonathan Dienst, “NJ Man Who Tried to Help Organize 'Small Army' For ISIS Gets 15 Years in Prison,” NBC News, May 10, 2016, http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/ISIS-Fighter-Suspect-Sentenced-Prison-New-Jersey-Alaa-Saadeh-NJ-378837431.html. His parents, however, had previously been deported from the United States for credit card fraud.“New Jersey Man Charged With Conspiracy To Provide Material Support To ISIL And Witness Tampering,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 29, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/new-jersey-man-charged-conspiracy-provide-material-support-isil-and-witness-tamperings; Ted Sherman, “Jersey Jihad: Inside the ISIS case that snared 5 friends,” NJ.com, July 27, 2015, http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2015/07/jersey_jihad_inside_the_isis_case_that_ensnared_5.html. As of April 2015, the Saadehs’ father lived in Oman and their mother lived in Jordan. Following their parents’ deportation, the Saadeh boys lived with a person identified in the complaint as “Individual 1.” The individual informed the FBI in April 2015 of the Saadehs’ plans to join ISIS. According to the Saadehs’ criminal complaints, Alaa Saadeh was “on the fence” about going to ISIS-held territory, but Nader Saadeh swayed him. Nader Saadeh flew to Jordan on May 5, 2015, with the intention of later meeting his brother and Topaz in Turkey to cross over into ISIS-held territory. After Nader Saadeh was detained in Jordan, the elder Saadeh allegedly told Individual 1 to “play stupid” about the Saadehs’ plans to join ISIS.“New Jersey Man Charged With Conspiracy To Provide Material Support To ISIL And Witness Tampering,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 29, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/new-jersey-man-charged-conspiracy-provide-material-support-isil-and-witness-tamperings.

Following his arrest, Saadeh was held in New Jersey’s Monmouth County Correctional Facility until December 18, 2015, when he was moved into “protective custody” under orders from the U.S. Marshals Service. He reportedly was kept isolated and allowed only one hour a day for showering or sitting in a cage, according Saadeh’s attorney, who alleged his client was subjected to cruel and “inhumane” conditions. He was then moved to the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center.Tim Darragh, “ISIS supporter was held in ‘inhumane’ jail conditions, lawyer says,” NJ.com, January 27, 2016, http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2016/01/monmouth_jails_conditions_were_inhumane_to_isis_su.html;
Abbott Koloff, “Former Bergen County man gets 15 years for conspiring to aid Islamic State,” May 10, 2016, http://www.northjersey.com/news/former-bergen-county-man-gets-15-years-for-conspiring-to-aid-islamic-state-1.1569691.

Harlem Suarez is a naturalized U.S. citizen, long-time Florida resident, and convicted homegrown conspirator.Gwen Filosa, “Keys terror suspect convicted of trying to bomb beach and of backing ISIS,” Miami Herald, January 31, 2017, http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/florida-keys/article129835479.html. According to authorities, Suarez is a self-described “jihadist” who supported ISIS and plotted to use a weapon of mass destruction in the United States.United States of America v. Harlem Suarez a/k/a Almlak Benitez, Affidavit in Support of Criminal Complaint  (S.D. FL, 2015), 1, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/file/641126/download.> He was arrested in July 2015 at the end of a three-month-long FBI investigation, during which he revealed to undercover agents his desire to learn how to build an explosive.United States of America v. Harlem Suarez a/k/a Almlak Benitez, Affidavit in Support of Criminal Complaint  (S.D. FL, 2015), 2, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/file/641126/download. He was charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and convicted in January 2017 with an additional charge of providing material support to ISIS.“Monroe County Resident Charged with Attempting to Use Weapon of Mass Destruction,” Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Florida, July 28, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/monroe-county-resident-charged-attempting-use-weapon-mass-destruction;
Associated Press, “Key West man pleads not guilty to beach backpack bomb plot,” CBS News, August 11, 2015, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/key-west-man-pleads-not-guilty-to-beach-backpack-bomb-plot-florida/;
Gwen Filosa, “Keys terror suspect convicted of trying to bomb beach and of backing ISIS,” Miami Herald, January 31, 2017, http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/florida-keys/article129835479.html. In April 2017, Suarez was sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years.Gwen Filosa, “Keys bomb plotter Suarez gets life in prison,” Miami Herald, April 18, 2017, http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/florida-keys/article145265609.html.

An undercover FBI agent contacted and began meeting with Suarez in April 2015 after receiving a tip from one of Suarez’s acquaintances. Suarez had been posting violent, pro-ISIS content on Facebook under the name “Almlak Benitez.” During meetings with the informant, Suarez revealed his intention to execute a violent attack on U.S. soil on behalf of ISIS. According to court documents, Suarez legally purchased an AK-47 on the Internet, and conspired to plant a timer bomb on the beaches of Florida that could be detonated remotely. Suarez was arrested and detained in July 2015 during the planning stage of the attack.Associated Press, “Harlem Suarez: Suspected Islamic state sympathizer enters not guilty plea,” WPTV, August 11, 2015, http://www.wptv.com/news/state/harlem-suarez-suspected-islamic-state-sympathizer-enters-not-guilty-plea. He was charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction.“Monroe County Resident Charged with Attempting to Use Weapon of Mass Destruction,” Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Florida, July 28, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/monroe-county-resident-charged-attempting-use-weapon-mass-destruction.

Suarez pled guilty in August 2015 and was convicted in January 2017 following a seven-day trial.Associated Press, “Key West man pleads not guilty to beach backpack bomb plot,” CBS News, August 11, 2015, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/key-west-man-pleads-not-guilty-to-beach-backpack-bomb-plot-florida/;
Gwen Filosa, “Keys terror suspect convicted of trying to bomb beach and of backing ISIS,” Miami Herald, January 31, 2017, http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/florida-keys/article129835479.html.

On April 18, 2017, Suarez was sentenced to life in prison for the attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, and an additional 20 years for providing material support to ISIS.Gwen Fiolsa, “Keys Bomb Plotter Suarez Gets Life in Prison,” Miami Herald, April 18, 2017, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/florida-keys/article145265609.html. He is currently incarcerated at United States Penitentiary, Lee, in Virginia.“HARLEM SUAREZ,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 7, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

U.S. authorities arrested North Carolina resident Avin Marsalis Brown at the Raleigh Durham International Airport in March 2014 on suspicion that he sought to join extremist groups overseas including ISIS, AQAP, and the Nusra Front. Brown pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.Bruce Siceloff, “Second Raleigh man pleads guilty in ISIS terror-support conspiracy,” News & Observer, October 16, 2014, http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/wake-county/article10098290.html. On July 5, 2016, he was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison“United States of America v. Avin Marsalis Brown aka ‘Musa Brown’ – Judgement,” United States District Court – Eastern District of North Carolina, July 5, 2016, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/Brown%20Judgment.pdf; “Raleigh Men Who Sought to Fight in Syria Sentenced to Prison,” WRAL Raleigh, July 5, 2016, https://www.wral.com/2-nc-men-who-sought-to-fight-in-syria-sentenced-to-prison/15831356/. and was released early in September 2020.“AVIN MARSALIS BROWN,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed March 18, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Starting in May 2013, both Brown and his co-conspirator Akba Jihad Jordan communicated and met with FBI agents posing as jihadists. Brown told an agent that he had a couple of “brothers” who would be helpful in “fisabillah,” or violent jihad for the sake of Allah. Brown told the agent that he planned to travel to either Syria or Yemen to fight.“United State of America v. Avin Marsalis Brown (aka Musa Brown) Akba Jihad Jordan,” United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, March 20, 2014, http://ftpcontent5.worldnow.com/wncn/pdf/raid.pdf. Both Brown and Jordan told the agents that they wished to fight kuffar (nonbelievers), both in the United States and overseas.“United State of America v. Avin Marsalis Brown (aka Musa Brown) Akba Jihad Jordan,” United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, March 20, 2014, http://ftpcontent5.worldnow.com/wncn/pdf/raid.pdf. According to a federal affidavit, Jordan “functioned as a type of physical fitness, firearms and tactics instructor” for Brown.Bruce Siceloff, “Second Raleigh man pleads guilty in ISIS terror-support conspiracy,” News & Observer, October 16, 2014, http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/wake-county/article10098290.html. Additionally, Brown planned to eventually help Jordan enter Syria from Turkey.“Raleigh Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support for Terrorism,” U.S. Department of Justice, October 16, 2014, http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/raleigh-man-pleads-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-terrorism.

Brown was arrested as he attempted to board a flight headed for Turkey. In a subsequent Mirandized interview, Brown admitted he intended to travel onward to Syria.“Raleigh Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support for Terrorism,” U.S. Department of Justice, October 16, 2014, http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/raleigh-man-pleads-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-terrorism. Brown had reportedly made contact with an ISIS member in Syria, with whom he planned to meet.“Raleigh Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support for Terrorism,” U.S. Department of Justice, October 16, 2014, http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/raleigh-man-pleads-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-terrorism.

On August 12, 2014, Brown pleaded guilty to “conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists.”“Raleigh Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support for Terrorism,” U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Public Affairs, October 16, 2014, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/raleigh-man-pleads-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-terrorism; “United States of America v. Avin Marsalis Brown aka ‘Musa Brown’ – Judgement,” United States District Court – Eastern District of North Carolina, July 5, 2016, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/Brown%20Judgment.pdf. He was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison on July 5, 2016.“United States of America v. Avin Marsalis Brown aka ‘Musa Brown’ – Judgement,” United States District Court – Eastern District of North Carolina, July 5, 2016, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/Brown%20Judgment.pdf; “Raleigh Men Who Sought to Fight in Syria Sentenced to Prison,” WRAL Raleigh, July 5, 2016, https://www.wral.com/2-nc-men-who-sought-to-fight-in-syria-sentenced-to-prison/15831356/. Brown was released from prison early on September 28, 2020.“AVIN MARSALIS BROWN,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed March 18, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.