North Carolina resident Akba Jihad Jordan is an American who planned with co-conspirator Avin Marsalis Brown to fight alongside extremist groups including ISIS, AQAP, and the Nusra Front. Starting in May 2013, both Jordan and Brown communicated and met with FBI agents posing as jihadists. The pair 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. The FBI agents witnessed Jordan and Brown discuss weaponry, and Jordan reportedly told Brown that he would not hesitate to use his AK-47.“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. 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.

In March 2014, U.S. authorities raided Jordan’s apartment and arrested him, finding a bulletproof vest, an AK-47, swords, and other weapons in his home. Authorities simultaneously arrested Brown at Raleigh Durham International Airport as he attempted to board a plane headed for Turkey. In October 2014, Jordan pled guilty to conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.“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 July 5, 2016, Jordan was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision. His co-conspirator Avin Brown was sentenced to 92 months in prison and five years post-release supervision.“Raleigh Men Sentenced for Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to Terrorist,” U.S. Department of Justice – Eastern District of North Carolina, July 5, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/raleigh-men-sentenced-conspiracy-provide-material-support-terrorist. Jordan is currently incarcerated at Butner Low Federal Correctional Institute in North Carolina, with an anticipated release date of November 17, 2021.“Akba Jihad Jordan,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed March 8, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Muhammad Dakhlalla, a U.S. citizen from Mississippi, was arrested on August 8, 2015, after attempting to travel to Syria to join ISIS with his fiancé, Jaelyn Young.“United States of America v. Jaelyn Delshaun Young and Muhammada Oda Dakhlalla,” United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, May 21, 2015, New York Times, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/705906/download. In March 2016, Dakhlalla and Young pled guilty to conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.“Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty in Terrorism Investigation,” U.S. Department of Justice, March 11, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/mississippi-man-pleads-guilty-terrorism-investigation; “Mississippi woman who tried to join ISIS pleads guilty,” CBS News, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/jaelyn-young-mississippi-woman-who-tried-to-join-isis-pleads-guilty/. In late August 2016, a U.S. district judge sentenced Dakhlalla to eight years in prison and 15 years of probation. At his sentencing, Dakhlalla publicly condemned ISIS, saying that he had been misled by the group’s propaganda videos online. “I was completely wrong about what ISIS was…I’ve come to the conclusion that they’re really sick and twisted. They twist Islam for their own agenda. I denounce them. I condemn them,” Dakhlalla told the court.Jeff Amy, “Mississippi Islamic State recruit gets 8 years in prison,” Associated Press, August 24, 2016, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/d3dc6118437b4741991040ffd0e8311e/mississippi-islamic-state-recruit-gets-8-years-prison. Jaelyn Young was sentenced to 12 years in prison earlier in August.Jeff Amy, “Mississippi woman gets 12-year sentence on terrorism charge,” Associated Press, August 11, 2016, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/383e88cda66c44b6a66c9536a9eb0bbf/mississippi-woman-be-sentenced-terrorism-charges.

Before their attempt to join ISIS abroad, Dakhlalla and Young had allegedly engaged in numerous conversations on social media sites with FBI agents posing as ISIS recruiters, dating back to May 2015.“United States of America v. Jaelyn Delshaun Young and Muhammada Oda Dakhlalla,” United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, May 21, 2015, New York Times, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/705906/download. During his correspondence with the undercover agents, Dakhlalla allegedly expressed an interest in fighting for ISIS.“United States of America v. Jaelyn Delshaun Young and Muhammada Oda Dakhlalla,” United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, May 21, 2015, New York Times, http://www.justice.gov/opa/file/705906/download. He professed his willingness to fight, and said that he “wanted to be taught what it really means to have that heart in battle.”Chris Thies, “Timeline of events leading to the arrest of alleged ISIS recruits,” KMOV St Louis, August 13, 2015, http://www.kmov.com/story/29784129/timeline-of-events-leading-to-the-arrest-of-alleged-isis-recruits.

Dakhlalla and Young reportedly obtained Turkish visas and purchased airline tickets. On August 7, 2015, the couple purchased tickets for Delta Airlines flight 5703, which departed from Columbus, Mississippi, with a final destination of Istanbul, Turkey.Chris Thies, “Timeline of events leading to the arrest of alleged ISIS recruits,” KMOV St Louis, August 13, 2015, http://www.kmov.com/story/29784129/timeline-of-events-leading-to-the-arrest-of-alleged-isis-recruits. They were arrested the next day at Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus.Chris Thies, “Timeline of events leading to the arrest of alleged ISIS recruits,” KMOV St Louis, August 13, 2015, http://www.kmov.com/story/29784129/timeline-of-events-leading-to-the-arrest-of-alleged-isis-recruits.

On August 11, 2015, a federal magistrate in Mississippi ordered that Dakhlalla and Young be held without bail.Jeff Amy, “No bail for couple accused of trying to join Islamic State,” August 11, 2015, Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/charge-2-mississippi-residents-aimed-to-join-islamic-state/2015/08/10/f6da8f72-3fd3-11e5-b2c4-af4c6183b8b4_story.html. The pair was charged with attempting and conspiring to knowingly provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization. They face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.Richard Fausset, “Young Mississippi Couple Linked to ISIS, Perplexing All,” August 14, 2015, New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/15/us/disbelief-in-mississippi-at-how-far-isis-message-can-travel.html?_r=0.

Dakhlalla graduated from college with a psychology degree in May of 2015 and told his family that he was starting graduate school at Mississippi State University in August of 2015. Though he was accepted into the graduate program, Dakhlalla had never enrolled.Jason Silverstein, “Young Mississippi couple planned to marry and join ISIS in Syria: officials,” New York Daily News, August 11, 2015, http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/young-mississippi-couple-planned-marry-join-isis-article-1.2321769.

Usaamah Abdullah Rahim was an alleged homegrown extremist and supporter of ISIS from Roslindale, Massachusetts.“Criminal Complaint,” U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, June 12, 2015, http://wpri.com/read-criminal-complaint-against-nicholas-rovinski/. Rahim reportedly met and planned with alleged co-conspirators Nicholas Alexander Rovinski and David Daoud Wright, his nephew, to behead controversial American political activist and critic of Islam Pamela Geller in New York.Elizabeth Barber, “Men charged in Boston beheading plot plead not guilty in court,” Reuters, June 19, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/19/us-massachusetts-police-idUSKBN0OZ14020150619. Geller and her organization famously hosted a draw the prophet Muhamad contest in Garland, Texas, on May 3, 2015.

In January 2015, Rahim, Wright, and Rovinski began discussing ISIS’s calls to carry out attacks in the United States. By the following month, Rahim and Wright began forming plots and recruiting additional conspirators to carry out an attack. Wright studied a jihadist manual called “How to Survive in the West,” which provided instructions on how to develop a sleeper terrorist cell, and conducted Internet searches on firearms, tranquilizers, and other weapons.“Second Superseding Indictment,” U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, February 15, 2017, https://www.investigativeproject.org/documents/case_docs/3231.pdf. In late May 2015, Rahim ordered three large fighting knives on Amazon.“Criminal Complaint,” U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, June 12, 2015, http://wpri.com/read-criminal-complaint-against-nicholas-rovinski/. Court documents released in April 2016 reveal that Rahim had been in contact with ISIS operative Junaid Hussain. Hussain reportedly communicated directly with Rahim, who then passed along the instructions to his conspirators to kill Geller. They allegedly planned to kill her in while she was home in New York for the July 4^th holiday.Adam Goldman, “Well-known ISIS operative instructed Americans to kill organizer of Muhammad cartoon contest, prosecutors reveal,” Washington Post, April 21, 2016, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/04/21/well-known-isis-operative-instructed-americans-to-kill-organizer-of-muhammad-cartoon-contest-prosecutors-reveal/; “Two Individuals Charged in Superseding Indictment with Conspiring to Commit Acts of Terrorism Transcending National Boundaries,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 21, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-individuals-charged-superseding-indictment-conspiring-commit-acts-terrorism-transcending.

In early 2015, Wright put Rahim in contact with Zulfi Hoxha, an ISIS supporter who Wright had met online and who planned to travel abroad to join ISIS. Wright and Rahim helped to fund Hoxha’s plane ticket to Istanbul, Turkey, by selling Rahim’s laptop on Craigslist. Hoxha departed for Istanbul on April 6, 2015, from where he traveled to Syria to join ISIS. After Hoxha’s departure, Rahim remained in contact with him for a few days through communications on an encrypted messaging app. After Hoxha began training at an ISIS camp, Rahim continued to receive updates on his activities by communicating with Hussain.Seamus Hughes et al., “A New American Leader Rises in ISIS,” Atlantic, January 13, 2018, https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/01/isis-america-hoxha/550508/.

Despite Hussain’s direct instructions to carry out an attack against Geller, Rahim instead attempted to attack members of the Boston police force. On June 2, 2015, he was shot and killed after he attempted to attack FBI agents and members of the Boston police force in Roslindale, Massachusets, with one of the large fighting knives he had purchased from Amazon.Adam Goldman, “Well-known ISIS operative instructed Americans to kill organizer of Muhammad cartoon contest, prosecutors reveal,” Washington Post, April 21, 2016, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/04/21/well-known-isis-operative-instructed-americans-to-kill-organizer-of-muhammad-cartoon-contest-prosecutors-reveal/; “Read: Criminal complaint against Nicholas Rovinski,” WPRI, June 12, 2015,http://wpri.com/read-criminal-complaint-against-nicholas-rovinski/. That morning, Wright had encouraged Rahim to carry out an attack against authorities and become a martyr for ISIS.Maria Cramer, “Man convicted in terrorism plot sentenced to 28 years,” Boston Globe, December 19, 2017, https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/12/19/man-convicted-terrorism-plot-sentenced-years/dUGdLtwm0DlIKiJQvqfObM/story.html. After Rahim’s death, both Wright and Rovinski were arrested.Adam Goldman, “Well-known ISIS operative instructed Americans to kill organizer of Muhammad cartoon contest, prosecutors reveal,” Washington Post, April 21, 2016, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/04/21/well-known-isis-operative-instructed-americans-to-kill-organizer-of-muhammad-cartoon-contest-prosecutors-reveal/; “Two Individuals Charged in Superseding Indictment with Conspiring to Commit Acts of Terrorism Transcending National Boundaries,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 21, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-individuals-charged-superseding-indictment-conspiring-commit-acts-terrorism-transcending.

Somali-born Abdirahman Sheik Mohamud is accused of allegedly plotting a terrorist attack in the United States.Kathy Lynn Gray, The Columbus Dispatch, April 17, 2015, http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/04/16/columbus-man-terrorism-indictment.html. Mohamud immigrated with his family to Columbus, Ohio at the age of 2.Tracy Connor, “Abdirahman Sheik Mohamud, Ohio Terror Suspect, a ‘Normal Kid’: Lawyer,” NBC News, April 17, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ohios-syria-trained-terror-suspect-pleads-not-guilty-n343486. He remained in Ohio until venturing to Syria in April 2014 to join the Nusra Front, the chief al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria.Kathy Lynn Gray, The Columbus Dispatch, April 17, 2015, http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/04/16/columbus-man-terrorism-indictment.html. His older brother Abdifatah Aden had made the same journey to Syria in May 2013.Tracy Connor, “Abdirahman Sheik Mohamud, Ohio Terror Suspect, a ‘Normal Kid’: Lawyer,” NBC News, April 17, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ohios-syria-trained-terror-suspect-pleads-not-guilty-n343486.

In February 2014, Mohamud offered to send Aden money and two months later he traveled to Syria with $1,000 in tow.Tracy Connor, “Abdirahman Sheik Mohamud, Ohio Terror Suspect, a ‘Normal Kid’: Lawyer,” NBC News, April 17, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ohios-syria-trained-terror-suspect-pleads-not-guilty-n343486. While in Syria, Mohamud allegedly trained in the use of weapons and explosives before he was instructed to return to the United States to commit terrorism.Tracy Connor, “Abdirahman Sheik Mohamud, Ohio Terror Suspect, a ‘Normal Kid’: Lawyer,” NBC News, April 17, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ohios-syria-trained-terror-suspect-pleads-not-guilty-n343486.

According to the indictment issued by a federal grand jury, Mohamud became a U.S. citizen on February 18, 2014.Kathy Lynn Gray, The Columbus Dispatch, April 17, 2015, http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/04/16/columbus-man-terrorism-indictment.html. After completing training in Syria, a cleric dispatched him to recruit others and carry out an attack within the United States. Mohamud returned on June 4, 2014, (four days after his brother Aden died in combat in Syria) to attack a U.S. military base or prison.Tracy Connor, “Abdirahman Sheik Mohamud, Ohio Terror Suspect, a ‘Normal Kid’: Lawyer,” NBC News, April 17, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ohios-syria-trained-terror-suspect-pleads-not-guilty-n343486. On February 21, 2015, U.S. authorities arrested Mohamud in Ohio on charges of providing material support for individuals engaged in terrorism.Scott Shane, “Ohio Man Trained in Syria Is Charged With Planning Terrorism in U.S.,” New York Times, April 16, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/17/us/ohio-man-trained-in-syria-is-charged-with-planning-terrorism-in-us.html. Mohamud has pled not guilty to the charges. Mohamud pled guilty to the charges in August 2015.Matt Zapotosky, “Ohio man who trained with terrorists overseas and plotted to kill U.S. troops sentenced to 22 years,” Washington Post, January 22, 2018, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/ohio-man-who-trained-with-terrorists-overseas-and-plotted-to-kill-us-troops-sentenced-to-22-years/2018/01/22/2d18ff42-ff8f-11e7-9d31-d72cf78dbeee_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.b11c12ac7407. In December 2017, he officially requested to be deported to Somalia rather than serve time in jail in the United States.Associated Press, “Man accused in terror plot asked for deportation over prison,” Fox News, January 28, 2018, http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/01/28/man-accused-in-terror-plot-asked-for-deportation-over-prison.html. Mohamud was sentenced to 22 years in prison on January 1, 2018. The local Homeland Security Investigations office said it also intended to pursue deportation.Matt Zapotosky, “Ohio man who trained with terrorists overseas and plotted to kill U.S. troops sentenced to 22 years,” Washington Post, January 22, 2018, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/ohio-man-who-trained-with-terrorists-overseas-and-plotted-to-kill-us-troops-sentenced-to-22-years/2018/01/22/2d18ff42-ff8f-11e7-9d31-d72cf78dbeee_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.b11c12ac7407; Associated Press, “Man accused in terror plot asked for deportation over prison,” Fox News, January 28, 2018, http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/01/28/man-accused-in-terror-plot-asked-for-deportation-over-prison.html.

Christopher Lee Cornell is a convicted domestic terrorist from Ohio who sought to carry out an attack on behalf of ISIS.Max Willens, “Christopher Lee Cornell Indicted On Federal Charges In Connection With Alleged Bomb Threat,” International Business Times, January 21, 2015, http://www.ibtimes.com/christopher-lee-cornell-indicted-federal-charges-connection-alleged-bomb-threat-1790768. On August 1, 2016, Cornell pled guilty to one count of attempting to kill government employees, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.“Cincinnati-Area Man Pleads Guilty to Terrorism Charges,” U.S. Department of Justice, August 1, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/cincinnati-area-man-pleads-guilty-terrorism-charges. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison on December 5, 2016.Douglas Ernst, “‘Allah is in control, not this judge!’: Capitol terror plotter receives 30-year sentence,” Washington Times, December 5, 2016, http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/dec/5/christopher-l-cornell-capitol-terror-plotter-sente/. As he exited the court, Cornell yelled, “Allah is in control, not this judge!”Associated Press, “Ohio man accused of plot to attack U.S. Capitol shouts support for Allah in court,” Chicago Tribune, December 5, 2016, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-us-capitol-plot-20161205-story.html?14809651491461.

Shortly after being sentenced, Cornell filed notice that he planned to appeal the court’s decision, a right which he waived as a part of the plea deal he signed in August 2016.Kevin Grasha, “Court: No appeal for Green Twp. man who admitted terror plot,” Citizen Times, May 12, 2017, http://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2017/05/12/court-no-appeal-green-twp-man-who-admitted-terror-plot/101594284/. His appeal was dismissed by a Federal Appeals Court in May 2017.“Judges dismiss appeal for Green Township man convicted in terror plot,” WCPO Cincinnati, May 15 2017, http://www.wcpo.com/news/crime/christopher-lee-cornell-judges-dismiss-appeal-for-green-township-man-convicted-in-terror-plot.

Cornell’s documented history with violent extremism dates back to November 2014, when he told an FBI informant that he planned to attack the U.S. Capitol with pipe bombs and firearms.“Criminal Complaint,” United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, January 14, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/opa/press-releases/attachments/2015/01/15/cornell_complaint.pdf.  In May 2015, a federal grand jury also charged Cornell with attempting to provide material support to ISIS for his attempted operation on behalf of the terror group.“Cincinnati-Area Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 7, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/cincinnati-area-man-charged-attempting-provide-material-support-isil. According to Cornell’s plea agreement, he planned to carry out his attack during the State of the Union address on January 20, 2015.“Cincinnati-Area Man Pleads Guilty to Terrorism Charges,” U.S. Department of Justice, August 1, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/cincinnati-area-man-pleads-guilty-terrorism-charges. Cornell later told local media that he wanted to shoot President Barack Obama in the head.Dan Sewell, “US Capitol plot suspect pleads guilty to 3 counts in Ohio,” Associated Press, August 1, 2016, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/128828825bd8408f9ccc076c0fbe34c0/us-capitol-plot-suspect-due-court-plea-hearing.

Authorities charged Cornell with attempted murder of government officials, solicitation to commit a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence.“Capitol Bomb Suspect Christopher Lee Cornell Pleads Not Guilty,” NBC News, January 22, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/capitol-bomb-suspect-christopher-lee-cornell-pleads-not-guilty-n291436.

On January 22, 2015, Cornell pled not guilty to all charges.“Capitol Bomb Suspect Christopher Lee Cornell Pleads Not Guilty,” NBC News, January 22, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/capitol-bomb-suspect-christopher-lee-cornell-pleads-not-guilty-n291436. Following a mental evaluation, Cornell was judged to be competent to stand trial in April 2016.Associated Press, “Federal judge: Christopher Cornell is competent to stand trial,” WCPO Cincinnati, April 18, 2016, http://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/federal-judge-christopher-cornell-is-competent-to-stand-trial;
Dan Sewell, “Mental evaluation ordered for suspect in U.S. Capitol attack plot,” Washington Times, November 10, 2015, http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/nov/10/judge-to-order-mental-evaluation-of-ohio-terror-pl/. In March of 2016, Cornell claimed to have renounced extremism, asserting in a letter written to his family that he is “just a kid who suffered from some problems, that [sic] made some bad decisions and stupid mistakes.”“US Capitol plotter Christopher Lee Cornell sentenced,” BBC News, December 5, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38215955. Cornell also wrote in his letter that he “hope[s] they [his family] can soon see the change in me… give me the help I need and allow me to get a second chance.”“US Capitol plotter Christopher Lee Cornell sentenced,” BBC News, December 5, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38215955.

While in prison, however, Cornell continued to urge others to “fight against the disbelieving people of America,” according to prosecutors.“US Capitol plotter Christopher Lee Cornell sentenced,” BBC News, December 5, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38215955. Cornell has also posted online after bypassing security on a prison computer. According to authorities, Cornell posted on an undisclosed website, soliciting help to exact retribution against his FBI informant.“US Capitol plotter Christopher Lee Cornell sentenced,” BBC News, December 5, 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38215955.

Cornell is incarcerated at Federal Correctional Institution, Fairton, in New Jersey.Federal Bureau of Prisons, Inmate Search for Christopher Cornell, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

North California native Donald Ray Morgan was arrested at New York’s John F. Kennedy airport in August 2014 after traveling to Lebanon and Turkey in the hopes of joining ISIS in Syria. Morgan resided in Lebanon for eight months beginning in January 2014, where he advocated ISIS’s cause on Twitter under the alias Abu Omar al-Amreeki. Heleft Lebanon for Turkey in a bid to enter Syria and join ISIS. At the Istanbul airport, however, Morgan was stopped and returned to Lebanon.Sasha Goldstein, “American wannabe ISIS member is ‘practicing Muslim’ hoping to join caliphate,” NY Daily News, September 3, 2014, http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/american-wannabe-isis-member-practicing-muslim-hoping-join-caliphate-article-1.1926931.

After returning to the United States, Morgan was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm, and pled guilty to attempting to provide material support to ISIS (as well as to felony possession of a firearm). In May 2015, Morgan was sentenced to a 20-year prison term for aiming to provide material support to ISIS.Lee Ferran, “American Wannabe ISIS Fighter Donald Morgan Gets 20 Years in Prison,” ABC News, May 13, 2015, http://abcnews.go.com/International/american-wannabe-isis-fighter-donald-morgan-20-years/story?id=31009777.

Morgan is currently incarcerated at United States Penitentiary, Marion, in Illinois, with a scheduled release date of May 14, 2032.“DONALD RAY MORGAN,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 9, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Massachusetts native David Daoud Wright is an alleged homegrown extremist and supporter of ISIS.“Criminal Complaint,” U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, June 12, 2015, http://wpri.com/read-criminal-complaint-against-nicholas-rovinski/. He is the nephew and alleged co-conspirator of Usaamah Abdullah Rahim, a terror suspect who was shot and killed by members of the Boston police force in early June 2015.“Criminal Complaint,” U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, June 12, 2015, http://wpri.com/read-criminal-complaint-against-nicholas-rovinski/. Wright plotted to behead controversial blogger Pamela Geller along with two co-conspirators, Rahim and Nicholas Alexander Rovinski.Elizabeth Barber, “Men charged in Boston beheading plot plead not guilty in court,” Reuters, June 19, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/19/us-massachusetts-police-idUSKBN0OZ14020150619.

Wright reportedly met Rovinski through Facebook and began communicating with him sometime in 2014.“Criminal Complaint,” U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, June 12, 2015, http://wpri.com/read-criminal-complaint-against-nicholas-rovinski/. In January 2015, Wright, Rovinski, and Rahim started to discuss ISIS’s calls to carry out attacks in the United States. By the following month, Wright and Rahim began forming plots and recruiting additional conspirators to carry out an attack. Wright studied a jihadist manual called “How to Survive in the West,” which provides instructions on how to develop a sleeper terrorist cell. He also drafted organizational documents for their intended operation, and conducted Internet searches on firearms, tranquilizers, and other weapons.“Second Superseding Indictment,” U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, February 15, 2017, https://www.investigativeproject.org/documents/case_docs/3231.pdf.

During this time, Wright also communicated with Zulfi Hoxha, an ISIS supporter who Wright met through a video game website called Steam and had been communicating with since at least November 2014. The two bonded over their support for ISIS on Skype and the messaging site Paltalk, where they participated pro-ISIS chatrooms and shared ISIS propaganda materials with each other, including execution videos and the magazine Dabiq. Before Hoxha left to join ISIS in Syria in April 2015, Wright and Rahim helped him to raise money for his plane ticket.Seamus Hughes et al., “A New American Leader Rises in ISIS,” Atlantic, January 13, 2018, https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/01/isis-america-hoxha/550508/.

By May 2015, Wright, Rovinski, and Rahim decided to kill Pamela Geller, who was known for hosting a cartoon contest to draw the prophet Muhammad in Garland, Texas in early May 2015.“Criminal Complaint,” U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, June 12, 2015, http://wpri.com/read-criminal-complaint-against-nicholas-rovinski/; “Second Superseding Indictment,” U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, February 15, 2017, https://www.investigativeproject.org/documents/case_docs/3231.pdf. Wright later admitted that he had been aware of public statements issued by ISIS calling upon supporters to find and behead Geller.“Criminal Complaint,” U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, June 12, 2015, http://wpri.com/read-criminal-complaint-against-nicholas-rovinski/. The three men made plans to carry out the beheading by communicating in person as well as online and over the phone. In one recorded phone conversation with Rovinski, Wright extensively praised ISIS and criticized the U.S. law prohibiting the provision of material support to foreign terrorist organizations.“Criminal Complaint,” U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, June 12, 2015, http://wpri.com/read-criminal-complaint-against-nicholas-rovinski/. Wright also obstructed justice by informing Rahim how to rid his cellphone and computer of their histories to prevent authorities from finding any incriminating evidence.“Criminal Complaint,” U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, June 12, 2015, http://wpri.com/read-criminal-complaint-against-nicholas-rovinski/.

On June 2, 2015, Wright encouraged Rahim to carry out an attack against authorities and become a martyr for ISIS. Rahim was shot and killed by Boston police officers hours later after he attempted to attack them with a machete.Maria Cramer, “Man convicted in terrorism plot sentenced to 28 years,” Boston Globe, December 19, 2017, https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/12/19/man-convicted-terrorism-plot-sentenced-years/dUGdLtwm0DlIKiJQvqfObM/story.html. Upon learning of the incident, Wright immediately deleted data from his laptop and call records from his cell phone that showed that he had spoken to Rahim that morning.“Massachusetts Man Convicted of Supporting ISIS and Conspiring to Murder U.S. Citizens,” U.S. Department of Justice, October 18, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/massachusetts-man-convicted-supporting-isis-and-conspiring-murder-us-citizens.

The FBI arrested Wright following the incident on June 2. In an interview with the FBI in Massachusetts, Wright told agents that he believed that the actions of ISIS, including attacks on civilians, were justified.“Criminal Complaint,” U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, June 12, 2015, http://wpri.com/read-criminal-complaint-against-nicholas-rovinski/. He was charged with conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice.“Massachusetts Man and Rhode Island Man Indicted for Conspiracy to Provide Support to Islamic State,” U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts, June 18, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/massachusetts-man-and-rhode-island-man-indicted-conspiracy-provide-support-islamic-state. On June 19, 2015, he pled not guilty to the charges.Associated Press, “Men accused of conspiring in terror plot due in federal court in Boston for detention hearing,” Fox News, June 19, 2015, http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/06/19/men-accused-conspiring-in-terror-plot-due-in-federal-court-in-boston-for/. On February 15, 2017, Wright was given a superseding indictment with an additional charge of conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries.“Second Superseding Indictment,” U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, February 15, 2017, https://www.investigativeproject.org/documents/case_docs/3231.pdf. Wright was convicted of the charges on October 18, 2017, and sentenced to 28 years in federal prison on December 19.“Massachusetts Man Convicted of Supporting ISIS and Conspiring to Murder U.S. Citizens,” U.S. Department of Justice, October 18, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/massachusetts-man-convicted-supporting-isis-and-conspiring-murder-us-citizens; Maria Cramer, “Man convicted in terrorism plot sentenced to 28 years,” Boston Globe, December 19, 2017, https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/12/19/man-convicted-terrorism-plot-sentenced-years/dUGdLtwm0DlIKiJQvqfObM/story.html.

Justin Sullivan is a U.S. citizen, convert to Islam, and attempted domestic terrorist. In late June 2015, Sullivan was arrested at his North Carolina home and charged with attempting to carry out a domestic attack on behalf of ISIS.Pete Williams, “ISIS-Inspired Suspect Justin Nojan Sullivan Was Turned in By Dad,” NBC News, June 22, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/isis-inspired-suspect-justin-nolan-sullivan-was-turned-dad-n379721. Separately, Sullivan is suspected of killing his neighbor, John Bailey Clark, in order to steal money for the attack. Sullivan pleaded guilty to federal terrorism charges on November 29, 2016, and in July 2017 he pleaded guilty in state court to Clark’s murder.Associated Press, “North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty in Shooting Death,” ABC 13 News, July 17, 2017, https://wlos.com/news/local/nc-man-imprisoned-for-is-inspired-plot-faces-murder-charge; Rachel Weiner, “20-year-old says he planned ISIS terror attacks in Virginia, North Carolina,” Washington Post, November 30, 2016, https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/20-year-old-planned-terrorist-attack-in-virginia-or-north-carolina/2016/11/29/cb4084f2-b660-11e6-b8df-600bd9d38a02_story.html?utm_term=.6d61263fdd80. In 2017 he was sentenced to life in federal prison on the terrorist charge.“North Carolina Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Attempting to Commit an Act of Terrorism Transcending National Boundaries,” U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Public Affairs, June 27, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/north-carolina-man-sentenced-life-prison-attempting-commit-act-terrorism-transcending.

Sullivan reportedly began watching ISIS material online beginning in September 2014. At some point before his June 2015 arrest, he is believed to have made contact online with Junaid Hussain, a British foreign fighter, computer hacker, and recruiter for ISIS who was targeted and killed in a U.S. airstrike in August 2015. According to U.S. officials, Hussain asked Sullivan to film a video of his attack for use by ISIS.“UK jihadist Junaid Hussain killed in Syria drone strike, says US,” BBC News, August 27, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-34078900. In early 2015, Sullivan began destroying his family’s Buddhist figurines including by pouring gasoline on them in order to burn them, according to the criminal complaint. Sullivan’s family notified law enforcement about his erratic behavior in April 2015.“United States of America v. Justin Nojan Sullivan,” U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina,” June 22, 2015, 4, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/479816/download;
Pete Williams, “ISIS-Inspired Suspect Justin Nojan Sullivan Was Turned in By Dad,” NBC News, June 22, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/isis-inspired-suspect-justin-nolan-sullivan-was-turned-dad-n379721.

An undercover FBI officer made contact online with Sullivan on June 6, 2015. In a conversation with the agent, Sullivan referred to himself as a “mujahid,” (holy warrior), according to the criminal complaint. The two men discussed plotting a lone wolf attack in the United States as well as purchasing or building a gun silencer. In addition, Sullivan asked the agent to kill Sullivan’s parents—offering to send him money and their location.“United States of America v. Justin Nojan Sullivan,” U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina,” June 22, 2015, 4-11, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/479816/download. Sullivan also discussed using biological weapons—including by coating bullets with cyanide and detonating a “gas bomb”—in order to kill 1,000 people at a bar, club, or concert.Pete Williams, “ISIS-Inspired Suspect Justin Nojan Sullivan Was Turned in By Dad,” NBC News, June 22, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/isis-inspired-suspect-justin-nolan-sullivan-was-turned-dad-n379721;
“United States of America v. Justin Nojan Sullivan,” U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina,” June 22, 2015, 4, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/479816/download. Sullivan told the FBI agent that “the war is here,” and gave him the opportunity to join what he called the “Islamic State of North America” whose “doctrine is Guerilla Warfare in and out,” according to the criminal complaint.“United States of America v. Justin Nojan Sullivan,” U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina,” June 22, 2015, 7, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/479816/download.

Approximately two weeks after making contact with Sullivan, the FBI arrested him and charged him with attempting to provide material support to ISIS.“N.C. man charged in plot to kill Americans of behalf of ISIS,” CBS News, June 22, 2015, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/north-carolina-man-charged-in-plot-to-kill-americans-of-behalf-of-isis/.

In August 2016, Sullivan was also charged with the murder and robbery of his 74-year-old neighbor, John Bailey Clark. Investigators claim that in December 2014, Sullivan stole his stepfather’s gun and broke into his neighbor’s home, shot him in the head, and buried him. Prosecutors believe that Sullivan planned to use his neighbor’s money to purchase weapons for future terrorist attacks.Carla Field, “ISIS-supporting teen killed NC neighbor, planned mass murder, feds say,” WYFF4, August 24, 2016, http://www.wyff4.com/article/isis-supporting-teen-killed-nc-neighbor-planned-mass-murder-feds-say/7024054.

On November 29, 2016, Sullivan pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of “attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries,”“North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Commit An Act of Terrorism Transcending National Boundaries,” U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Public Affairs, November 29, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/north-carolina-man-pleads-guilty-attempting-commit-act-terrorism-transcending-national. and on June 27, 2017, he was sentenced to life in federal prison.“North Carolina Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Attempting to Commit an Act of Terrorism Transcending National Boundaries,” U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Public Affairs, June 27, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/north-carolina-man-sentenced-life-prison-attempting-commit-act-terrorism-transcending.

On July 17, 2017, Sullivan pleaded guilty in a Burke County, North Carolina court to killing Clark. As part of a plea agreement, state prosecutors agreed to not seek the death penalty against Sullivan for the killing. He was sentenced to life in state prison on the murder, which will be served on top of his federal life sentence.Associated Press, “North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty in Shooting Death,” ABC 13 News, July 17, 2017, https://wlos.com/news/local/nc-man-imprisoned-for-is-inspired-plot-faces-murder-charge; Sharon McBrayer, “UPDATE: Justin Sullivan Agrees to Plea Deal in Murder of John Bailey Clark,” Morganton News Herald, March 15, 2019, https://morganton.com/news/update-justin-sullivan-agrees-to-plea-deal-in-murder-of-john-bailey-clark/article_8c406f24-6b37-11e7-9f4a-43be7b41bc8b.html.

Sullivan is currently incarcerated at Terra Haute Federal Correctional Institution in Indiana.“JUSTIN NOJAN SULLIVAN,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 12, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Philadelphia-based Keonna Thomas is a propagandist and alleged would-be foreign fighter for ISIS.Associated Press, “Philadelphia Woman Charged In Plot To Join ISIS To Remain Jailed,” ABC 6 Action News, April 9, 2015, http://6abc.com/news/phila-woman-charged-in-plot-to-join-isis-to-remain-jailed/644428/. According to the criminal complaint filed against her, the mother of two used her Twitter account to praise ISIS, and eventually sought to join the terror group.“Criminal Complaint,” United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, April 3, 2015, http://media.philly.com/documents/KeonnaThomasComplaint.pdf.

The FBI monitored Thomas’s online communications with jihadists abroad between August 2013 and March 2015, which led the bureau to conclude that her intention was to travel to Syria to join ISIS.“Criminal Complaint,” United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, April 3, 2015, http://media.philly.com/documents/KeonnaThomasComplaint.pdf. According to the criminal complaint, Thomas applied for a U.S. passport, obtained a Turkish visa, researched travel routes from Spain to Turkey, and purchased airline tickets to travel to Spain.“Criminal Complaint,” United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, April 3, 2015, http://media.philly.com/documents/KeonnaThomasComplaint.pdf. On January 4, 2014 she tweeted “Only thing I’m jealous of is when I see the smiles of shuhadaa [martyrs].”“Criminal Complaint,” United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, April 3, 2015, http://media.philly.com/documents/KeonnaThomasComplaint.pdf.

In April 2015, the FBI collected evidence and arrested Thomas in her Philadelphia home.Jeremy Roebuck, “U.S.: Phil. Woman tried to go to Mideast to support ISIS,” Philly.com, April 5, 2015, http://articles.philly.com/2015-04-05/news/60814497_1_isis-fbi-agents-north-philadelphia. She was charged with one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.“Philadelphia Woman Indicted On Charges She Tried to Assist And Join ISIL,” U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, April 23, 2015, http://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/philadelphia-woman-indicted-charges-she-tried-assist-and-join-isil.

On September 20, 2016, Thomas pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization. At the hearing, she admitted to planning to abandon her children, move to Syria to marry an ISIS fighter she met online, and participate in “martyrdom operations.”Jeremy Roebuck, “North Philly Mom Admits to Planning to Abandon Kids for ISIS,” Philadelphia Inquirer, September 20, 2016, https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/20160921_North_Philly_mom_admits_to_planning_to_abandon_kids_for_ISIS_fighter_she_married_over_Skype.html.

On September 6, 2017, Thomas was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision.“United States v. Keonna Thomas – Judgement in a Criminal Case,” United States District Court – Eastern District of Pennsylvania, September 6, 2017, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/Keonna%20Thomas%20Judgment.pdf. Speaking before the judge imposed the sentence, Thomas stated that she “was not an evil or malicious person” and that she had been “impressionable.”Jeremy Roebuck, “North Philly Woman Gets 8 Year Term for Plan to Leave Kids, Marry IS Soldier,” Philadelphia Inquirer, September 6, 2017, https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/philadelphia/north-philly-mom-gets-8-year-term-for-plan-to-leave-kids-marry-isis-soldier-20170906.html.

Thomas is currently incarcerated at Aliceville Federal Correctional Institution in Alabama, with a scheduled release date of February 21, 2022.“KEONNA THOMAS,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 13, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Mehida Salkicevic is a Bosnian immigrant to the United States who became a naturalized U.S. citizen. She was arrested and charged with providing material support to ISIS. Salkicevic, a mother of four, is accused of soliciting funds and sending money to ISIS fighters in Syria and Iraq.“Rockford Suspect in Terror Funding Case Arrested in Germany,” WIFR, February 11, 2015, http://www.wifr.com/home/headlines/Rockford-Resident-Charged-with-Conspiring-to-Support-Terrorists-291123351.html. She pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to provide material support to a terrorist organization in March 2019,“Illinois Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Terrorists,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Missouri, March 21, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/illinois-woman-pleads-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-terrorists. and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison.“Illinois Woman Sentenced for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Terrorists,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Missouri, June 18, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/illinois-woman-sentenced-conspiring-provide-material-support-terrorists. She was released from prison in August 2020.“MEDIHA MEDY SALKICEVIC,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 15, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

According to the indictment, Salkicevic and five other Bosnian immigrants allegedly plotted over Facebook, email, and phone to support foreign fights in Syria. They allegedly sent money through PayPal and Western Union, and shipped military equipment through the U.S. Postal Service.Michael Tarm, “Illinois woman accused of aiding extremists appears in court,” Associated Press, February 9, 2015, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/3341e34753a6496586b6d4c5b50b616b/illinois-woman-accused-aiding-extremists-appears-court.

Salkicevic worked as a cargo handler at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Prosecutors warned that Salkicevic, whose mother and three sisters still live in Bosnia, is a flight risk.Michael Tarm, “Illinois woman accused of aiding extremists appears in court,” Associated Press, February 9, 2015, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/3341e34753a6496586b6d4c5b50b616b/illinois-woman-accused-aiding-extremists-appears-court.

On March 21, 2019, Salkicevic pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to provide material support to ISIS,“Illinois Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Terrorists,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Missouri, March 21, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/illinois-woman-pleads-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-terrorists. and on June 8, 2019, she was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison.“Illinois Woman Sentenced for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Terrorists,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Missouri, June 18, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/illinois-woman-sentenced-conspiring-provide-material-support-terrorists. Salkicevic was released on August 21, 2020.“MEDIHA MEDY SALKICEVIC,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 15, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.