United States

Jasminka Ramic is a Chicago-area Bosnian immigrant“Jasminka Ramic Arrested in Germany,” Mystateline.com, February 12, 2015, http://www.mystateline.com/fulltext-news/d/story/update-jasminka-ramic-arrested-in-germany/27255/Xtb0z4AfSU-ZB3JIgXg-hg. who was convicted of providing material support to ISIS. Working through a St. Louis-based intermediary (and fellow Bosnian immigrant), Ramic funneled $700 to presumed ISIS facilitators in Turkey.Justin Glawe, “Accused of Sending Social Security Checks to ISIS,” Daily Beast, February 10, 2015, http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/02/10/accused-of-sending-social-security-checks-to-isis.html. Ramic allegedly tried to recruit others to contribute financially to ISIS fighters in Syria and Iraq.“Jasminka Ramic Arrested in Germany,” Mystateline.com, February 12, 2015, http://www.mystateline.com/fulltext-news/d/story/update-jasminka-ramic-arrested-in-germany/27255/Xtb0z4AfSU-ZB3JIgXg-hg. On February 10, 2015, Ramic was arrested in Germany and transferred to U.S. custody.“Jasminka Ramic Arrested in Germany,” Mystateline.com, February 12, 2015, http://www.mystateline.com/fulltext-news/d/story/update-jasminka-ramic-arrested-in-germany/27255/Xtb0z4AfSU-ZB3JIgXg-hg. Ramic pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges of providing aid to terrorist groups on September 28, 2015,Jim Salter, “Woman pleads guilty to role in effort to aid terror groups,” Associated Press, September 28, 2015, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/476faa33da004a04be34c06f7b3dd652/woman-pleads-guilty-role-effort-aid-terror-groups. and was sentenced to three years in federal prison.Jennifer S. Mann, “Woman Gets 3 Years in Terror Funding Case with St. Louis Ties,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 5, 2016, https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/woman-gets-3-years-in-terror-funding-case-with-st-louis-ties/article_a4777e13-0390-539c-9938-c814d317c66e.html. She was released in October 2017.“JASMINKA RAMIC,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 11, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

For less than a month in 2012, Ramic reportedly worked as a substitute nutrition services worker in the U.S. public school system.“Jasminka Ramic Arrested in Germany,” Mystateline.com, February 12, 2015, http://www.mystateline.com/fulltext-news/d/story/update-jasminka-ramic-arrested-in-germany/27255/Xtb0z4AfSU-ZB3JIgXg-hg. Her family declared bankruptcy in the same year. Ramic’s only source of income was a monthly Social Security disability check in the amount of $579.Justin Glawe, “Accused of Sending Social Security Checks to ISIS,” Daily Beast, February 10, 2015, http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/02/10/accused-of-sending-social-security-checks-to-isis.html. She later moved to Germany.Jim Salter, “Woman pleads guilty to role in effort to aid terror groups,” Associated Press, September 28, 2015, http://bigstory.ap.org/article/476faa33da004a04be34c06f7b3dd652/woman-pleads-guilty-role-effort-aid-terror-groups.

According to her attorney, Ramic wanted to send money to Syria to help women and children who were wounded in the Syrian government’s August 2013 chemical gas attack. Allegedly, Ramic initially believed that the money she sent to Syria was supporting an individual helping Syrian orphans. However, Ramic continued to send money even after she learned that the individual was actually a terrorist fighter. She reportedly sent $700 on at least three occasions to Syria in 2013. Some of the money was used to purchase a U.S. military jacket, combat boots, and a rifle scope.Jennifer S. Mann, “Woman Gets 3 Years in Terror Funding Case with St. Louis Ties,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 5, 2016, https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/woman-gets-3-years-in-terror-funding-case-with-st-louis-ties/article_a4777e13-0390-539c-9938-c814d317c66e.html.

On September 28, 2015, Ramic pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to provide material support to ISIS and al-Qaeda in Iraq.Associated Press and Jim Salter, “Woman Pleads Guilty to Role in Effort to Aid Terror Groups,” Vallejo Times-Herald, September 28, 2015, https://www.timesheraldonline.com/2015/09/28/woman-pleads-guilty-to-role-in-effort-to-aid-terror-groups/. On January 5, 2016, she was sentenced to three years in federal prison and three years of post-release supervision. At sentencing, Judge Catherine Perry acknowledged Ramic’s initial altruistic motives, but imposed a sentence that was “sufficient but not greater than necessary,” given that Ramic continued to send money even after she knew it was financing terrorists.Jennifer S. Mann, “Woman Gets 3 Years in Terror Funding Case with St. Louis Ties,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 5, 2016, https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/woman-gets-3-years-in-terror-funding-case-with-st-louis-ties/article_a4777e13-0390-539c-9938-c814d317c66e.html.

Ramic was released from prison on October 6, 2017.“JASMINKA RAMIC,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 11, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Types of Leaders
Extremist Entity Name
ISIS
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, territory-controlling, terrorist, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Islamist, jihadist, pan-Islamist, Salafist, takfiri
Position
U.S.-based facilitator and financier
Date of Birth
1972-1974
Place of Birth
Bosnia
Place of Residence
Chicago, IL, United States
Arrested
2/6/15: material support
Custody
U.S. (previous)
Citizenship
Bosnian, U.S.
Extremist use of social media
Facebook
Current Location(s)
Illinois
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1McfbgRLa9nYnIHzte1DfDG-TBp8ZPPXv5D1azR1WX90/pubhtml
Show on Extremists & Online Propaganda report
Off
Select Yusuf al-Qaradawi Grid
Off
Select Ali al-Qaradaghi Grid
Off
Select Ahmad Musa Jibril
Off
Select Muslim Brotherhood
Off
Select Turner grid
Off
Select Anjem Grid
Off
Extremist Image
Country of Origin
Extremist Entity Association
Select Siege grid
Off
Leader

Jonas Edmonds is a U.S. citizen who was arrested in March 2015 and charged with conspiring to provide support and resources to ISIS.“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. According to the FBI, Jonas—along with his cousin and roommate Hasan Edmonds—conspired to facilitate Hasan’s travel to fight with ISIS in Syria.“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;
Mattathias Schwarts, “How Dangerous Were the Edmonds Cousins?,” New Yorker, March 31, 2015, http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/how-dangerous-were-the-edmonds-cousins.
The defendants allegedly planned for Jonas to carry out acts of violence in the United States once Hasan was abroad. The domestic attack was allegedly planned to take place at a U.S. military facility in northern Illinois, where Hasan has previously trained for the Illinois National Guard.“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.

Edmonds and his cousin were arrested before an attack took place. The pair initially pled not guilty in April 2015, 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/. Edmonds was sentenced to 21 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.

Types of Leaders
Types of operatives
Extremist Entity Name
ISIS
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, territory-controlling, terrorist, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Islamist, jihadist, Pan-Islamist, Salafist, takfiri
Position
U.S.-based facilitator and financier, homegrown extremist, conspirator
Also Known As
Date of Birth
1985 or 1986
Place of Birth
Not determined.
Place of Residence
Aurora, Illinois, United States
Arrested
3/25/15: material support
Citizenship
U.S.
Current Location(s)
Illinois
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aGifgSk9Tq3m1PqcgzfDgPmxN-RNLmMNpjK2W9bGSs0/pubhtml
Select Extremists Convert Grid
U.S
Extremists Convert Description

Attempted domestic terrorist, Illinois: Arrested in March 2015 after plotting with his cousin Hasan Edmonds to attack the Joliet Armory, a military installation in Illinois. Edmonds also conspired to facilitate Hasan Edmonds’s travel to ISIS-held territory, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Edmonds pled guilty to conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and one count of making a false statement to a law enforcement official.

Converted to Islam

Converted to Islam with other members of his family in or around 2005, according to Tiffany Edmonds, Jonas Edmonds’s aunt. He admitted he had been radicalized online.
(Estimated age at conversion: 19-20)

Extremist Image
Country of Origin
Extremist Entity Association
Leader

Shannon Maureen Conley is an American citizen and attempted foreign fighter for ISIS. The FBI arrested Conley on April 8, 2014, at the Denver airport after purchasing a one-way flight to Turkey via Frankfurt, Germany.Ed Mazza, “Shannon Maureen Conley, Colorado Woman, Arrested on Terror Charges,” Huffington Post, July 2, 2014, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/02/shannon-maureen-conley-arrested-isis_n_5553622.html. Conley allegedly sought to travel to Syria to marry a Tunisian ISIS fighter she met online.Ed Mazza, “Shannon Maureen Conley, Colorado Woman, Arrested on Terror Charges,” Huffington Post, July 2, 2014, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/02/shannon-maureen-conley-arrested-isis_n_5553622.html.

In November 2013, federal authorities were alerted to Conley’s suspicious behavior outside the Faith Bible Chapel in Arvada, Colorado, where she allegedly appeared taking notes on numerous days.Jenny Deam, “Colorado woman’s quest for jihad baffles neighbors,” Los Angeles Times, July 25, 2014, http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-high-school-jihadi-20140726-story.html#page=1. According to court documents, the FBI visited her and her family on various occasions in an attempt to dissuade her from joining ISIS.Jenny Deam, “Colorado woman’s quest for jihad baffles neighbors,” Los Angeles Times, July 25, 2014, http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-high-school-jihadi-20140726-story.html#page=1.

In January 2015, Conley pled guilty to the charges and received a four year prison sentence.Michael Martinez, Ana Cabrera, and Sara Weisfeldt, “Colorado woman gets 4 years for wanting to join ISIS,” CNN, January 24, 2015, http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/23/us/colorado-woman-isis-sentencing/.

Types of operatives
Extremist Entity Name
ISIS
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, territory-controlling, terrorist, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Islamist, jihadist, Pan-Islamist, Salafist, takfiri
Position
Foreign fighter
Also Known As
Date of Birth
1995-1997
Place of Birth
Colorado, United States
Place of Residence
United States
Arrested
04/08/2014: material support
Citizenship
U.S.
Education
High school
Current Location(s)
United States
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OfgHCfqiBTkpYvayzpbLvPsR5wJhFF0AmVRpnTSf-1M/pubhtml
Select Al-Awlaki Grid
U.S Homegrown Radicals
Al-Awlaki Description

Attempted foreign fighter (/jihadi bride): Arrested at Denver International Airport en route to Turkey to await word from male ISIS contact in Syria. Convicted and sentenced to four years in prison on charges of conspiracy to support ISIS.

Connection to al-Awlaki

Owned DVDs of al-Awlaki’s lectures

Select Extremists Convert Grid
U.S
Extremists Convert Description

Attempted foreign fighter, Colorado: Arrested in April 2014 aboard a plane at Denver International Airport. According to court documents, Conley had intended to fly to Germany and then Turkey in order to join ISIS in Syria. There, Conley planned to marry a Tunisian jihadist whom she had met online. Conley pled guilty in January 2015 to material support charges related to her attempt to join ISIS. She was sentenced to four years in prison.

Converted to Islam

Attempted foreign fighter, Colorado: Arrested in April 2014 aboard a plane at Denver International Airport. According to court documents, Conley had intended to fly to Germany and then Turkey in order to join ISIS in Syria. There, Conley planned to marry a Tunisian jihadist whom she had met online. Conley pled guilty in January 2015 to material support charges related to her attempt to join ISIS. She was sentenced to four years in prison.

Show on Extremists & Online Propaganda report
On
Type of extremist
Attempted foreign fighter
Citizenship
U.S.
Description

Arrested at Denver International Airport in April 2014 en route to Turkey, where she planned to await further instructions from a male ISIS contact in Syria. Convicted and sentenced to four years in prison on charges of conspiring to support ISIS.

Propaganda type(s)
Speech
Propaganda details

Owned DVDs of lectures given by now-deceased AQAP recruiter Anwar al-Awlaki.

Platform used to access propaganda
Not determined
Accessed violent propaganda?
Not determined
Accessed propaganda providing instructions on how to prepare or execute violent acts?
Not determined
Disseminated?
Not determined
Viewed/Discussed with others?
Not determined
Extremist Image
Country of Origin
Extremist Entity Association
Leader

Leon Nathan Davis is a supporter of ISIS.Letitia Stein, “Georgia man pleads guilty to attempting to support Islamic State,” Reuters, May 27, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/27/us-usa-georgia-islamic-state-idUSKBN0OC2RZ20150527. He attempted to travel to Syria and join ISIS in October 2014, leaving behind his job as a medical supplements salesman, a wife of two years, and a stepdaughter.Russ Bynum, Associated Press, “Georgia man pleads guilty to seeking to join ISIS,” News 4 Georgia, May 28, 2015, http://www.news4jax.com/news/georgia-news/georgia-man-pleads-guilty-to-seeking-to-join-isis/33260684Davis was charged with one count of attempting to provide support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.“Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” U.S. Department of Justice, FBI, May 27, 2015, https://www.fbi.gov/atlanta/press-releases/2015/georgia-man-pleads-guilty-to-attempting-to-provide-material-support-to-isil.

The FBI arrested Davis on October 24, 2014 at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport while he was checking in for a one-way flight to Turkey.Russ Bynum, Associated Press, “Georgia man pleads guilty to seeking to join ISIS,” News 4 Georgia, May 28, 2015, http://www.news4jax.com/news/georgia-news/georgia-man-pleads-guilty-to-seeking-to-join-isis/33260684. Davis was concurrently violating his parole, which was related to a previous cocaine-trafficking conviction.Erica Wenig, “Georgia Man Pleaded Guilty To Attempting To Support ISIS,” Daily Caller, May 28, 2015, http://dailycaller.com/2015/05/28/georgia-man-pleaded-guilty-to-attempting-to-support-isis/. On May 27, 2015 Davis pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court,“Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” U.S. Department of Justice, FBI, May 27, 2015, https://www.fbi.gov/atlanta/press-releases/2015/georgia-man-pleads-guilty-to-attempting-to-provide-material-support-to-isil. and on July 28, 2015, he was sentenced to the legal maximum of 15 years in federal prison.Associated Press, “US Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Jail for Trying to Join Isis: ‘I am an American,’” Guardian, July 28, 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/28/man-sentenced-joining-islamic-state.

Davis converted to Islam while in prison between 2005 and 2008. His defense attorney said Davis became radicalized when he left prison and accessed extremist content online.Associated Press, “‘I am an American’: Man who was ‘ready for jihad’ before attempting to join ISIL sobs as he’s given 15 years prison,” National Post (Toronto), July 28, 2015, http://news.nationalpost.com/news/world/i-am-an-american-man-who-was-ready-for-jihad-before-attempting-to-join-isil-sobs-as-hes-given-15-years-prison.

Davis is currently incarcerated at Florence Federal Correctional Institution in Colorado, with a scheduled release date of January 23, 2028.“LEON NATHAN DAVIS,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 14, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Types of operatives
Extremist Entity Name
ISIS
Type[s] of Organization
Extremist, insurgent, violent, terrorist, transnational
Type[s] of Ideology
Islamist, jihadist, salafist, takfirist, Pan-Islamist
Position
Foreign fighter
Also Known As
Date of Birth
1977 or 1978
Place of Birth
Georgia, United States
Place of Residence
Florence, Colorado, U.S. (in custody)
Arrested
10/24/2014: material support
Custody
U.S.
Citizenship
U.S.
Extremist use of social media
Facebook
Current Location(s)
Georgia
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1H1Zkv7z9akVGkNk84WBsfDd3J74E2Tmh-zcSR1MnOJM/pubhtml
Show on Extremists & Online Propaganda report
Off
Select Yusuf al-Qaradawi Grid
Off
Select Ali al-Qaradaghi Grid
Off
Select Ahmad Musa Jibril
Off
Select Muslim Brotherhood
Off
Select Turner grid
Off
Select Anjem Grid
Off
Extremist Image
Country of Origin
Extremist Entity Association
Select Siege grid
Off
Leader

On June 17, 2015, the FBI charged Fareed Mumini with attempting to stab an FBI agent who arrived at Mumini’s home in Staten Island, New York, with a search warrant. A criminal complaint against Mumini alleged he planned to attack U.S. law enforcement after failing to join ISIS in Syria.Benjamin Mueller, “New Jersey Man Is Charged with Planning to Aid ISIS,” New York Times, June 18, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/19/nyregion/new-jersey-man-is-charged-with-planning-to-aid-isis.html?_r=0. Mumini is reportedly friends with other individuals who have also allegedly attempted to join ISIS, including Samuel Rahamin Topaz and Munther Omar Saleh.Benjamin Mueller, “New Jersey Man Is Charged with Planning to Aid ISIS,” New York Times, June 18, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/19/nyregion/new-jersey-man-is-charged-with-planning-to-aid-isis.html?_r=0. Police investigating Mumini witnessed multiple meetings between Mumuni and Saleh in May 2015. Authorities also recorded phone conversations between the two men.Shimon Prokupecz and Laura Ly, “FBI agent attacked during search of NYC home in ISIS-related case,” CNN, June 17, 2015, hhttp://www.cnn.com/2015/06/17/us/new-york-isis-investigation/. Mumini pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 17 years in prison.“Staten Island Man Sentenced to 17 Years’ Imprisonment for Attempted Murder of A Federal Officer,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of New York, April 26, 2018, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/staten-island-man-sentenced-17-years-imprisonment-attempted-murder-federal-officer.

Saleh was arrested separately on June 7, 2015, and was charged with attempting to learn how to build a pressure-cooker bombBenjamin Mueller, “New Jersey Man Is Charged with Planning to Aid ISIS,” New York Times, June 18, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/19/nyregion/new-jersey-man-is-charged-with-planning-to-aid-isis.html?_r=0. and plotting to blow up New York City landmarks.Benjamin Mueller, “New Jersey Man Is Charged with Planning to Aid ISIS,” New York Times, June 18, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/19/nyregion/new-jersey-man-is-charged-with-planning-to-aid-isis.html?_r=0. He pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison.“Queens Man Sentenced to 18 Years’ Imprisonment for ISIS-Directed Terrorist Attacks in New York City,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of New York, February 6, 2018, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/queens-man-sentenced-18-years-imprisonment-isis-directed-terrorist-attacks-new-york.

On February 9, 2017, Mumini pleaded guilty to conspiring to and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, assaulting and conspiring to assault federal officers, and attempted murder of federal officers.“Two New York City Residents Pleaded Guilty to All Charges in Terrorism Case,” U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Public Affairs, February 10, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-new-york-city-residents-pleaded-guilty-all-charges-terrorism-case. On April 26, 2018, he was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison.“Staten Island Man Sentenced to 17 Years’ Imprisonment for Attempted Murder of A Federal Officer,” U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of New York, April 26, 2018, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/staten-island-man-sentenced-17-years-imprisonment-attempted-murder-federal-officer.

Mumini is currently incarcerated at Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center in New York, with a scheduled release date of December 10, 2029.“FAREED MUMUNI,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 7, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Extremist Entity Name
ISIS
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, territory-controlling, terrorist, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Islamist, jihadist, pan-Islamist, Salafist, takfiri
Position
Foreign fighter
Date of Birth
1994
Place of Residence
Brooklyn, New York, United States (in custody)
Arrested
08/18/2015: attempt to murder a federal officer
Custody
U.S.
Citizenship
Ghanaian, U.S.
Current Location(s)
New York
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1h70AI5JKt2eP3x1DKrQS6UW6b__PORiKsnRW6YetVC0/pubhtml
Show on Extremists & Online Propaganda report
Off
Select Yusuf al-Qaradawi Grid
Off
Select Ali al-Qaradaghi Grid
Off
Select Ahmad Musa Jibril
Off
Select Muslim Brotherhood
Off
Select Turner grid
Off
Select Anjem Grid
Off
Extremist Image
Country of Origin
Extremist Entity Association
Select Siege grid
Off
Leader

Tairod Nathan Webster Pugh is a U.S. Air Force veteran and a would-be foreign fighter for ISIS who allegedly sought to fix the group's aircraft, and ultimately become a martyr.Jason Hanna and Joshua Gaynor, “Air Force veteran pleads not guilty to terror-related charges,” CNN, March 18, 2015, http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/17/us/former-airman-isis-charges/; John Marzulli, “ISIS wannabe Tairod Pugh, an Air Force veteran, convicted for his attempt to join terror group, fix their aircraft,” New York Daily News, March 9, 2016, http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/isis-wannabe-tairod-pugh-convicted-brooklyn-court-article-1.2558708. Pugh is a U.S. citizen and convert to Islam who has lived in New Jersey and Texas, holding several air force and airline-related jobs.“Criminal Complaint,” United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, January 16, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/03/17/nyregion/criminal-complaint-against-mr-pugh.html. The year and a half prior to his arrest, he lived abroad in Egypt, Dubai, and Jordan.“Criminal Complaint,” United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, January 16, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/03/17/nyregion/criminal-complaint-against-mr-pugh.html.

In January 2015, Pugh traveled from Egypt to Turkey, allegedly attempting to cross the border into Syria to join ISIS.“Criminal Complaint,” United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, January 16, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/03/17/nyregion/criminal-complaint-against-mr-pugh.html. Turkish authorities stopped Pugh and forced him to return to Egypt when he refused to allow them to search his laptop.“Criminal Complaint,” United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, January 16, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/03/17/nyregion/criminal-complaint-against-mr-pugh.html. After returning to Egypt, Pugh was transferred to U.S. custody. He was arrested by the FBI in New Jersey soon after his arrival.“Criminal Complaint,” United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, January 16, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/03/17/nyregion/criminal-complaint-against-mr-pugh.html.

On March 18, 2015, Pugh was charged with one count of attempting to supply material support to a terrorist organization and one count of obstruction of justice.Jason Hanna and Joshua Gaynor, “Air Force veteran pleads not guilty to terror-related charges,” CNN, March 18, 2015, http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/17/us/former-airman-isis-charges/. On March 18, 2015, he pled not guilty.Stephanie Clifford, “Air Force Veteran Pleads Not Guilty in ISIS Case,” New York Times, March 18, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/19/nyregion/air-force-veteran-accused-in-isis-aid-case-pleads-not-guilty.html?_r=0. His trial—one of the first in the nation involving an American charged with attempting to join ISIS—began on February 29, 2016, at a federal court in Brooklyn, NY.Associated Press, “Defense: Islamic State group case vs. US veteran a fantasy,” Yahoo News, February 29, 2016, http://news.yahoo.com/defense-islamic-state-group-case-vs-us-veteran-180318373.html. He was found guilty in March 2016, making Pugh the first American to be convicted in a jury trial of providing material support to ISIS.Joseph Goldstein, “Tairod Pugh, Ex-U.S. Serviceman, Is Found Guilty of Trying to Aid ISIS,” New York Times, March 9, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/10/nyregion/tairod-pugh-ex-us-serviceman-is-found-guilty-of-trying-to-aid-isis.html?_r=0.

Types of operatives
Extremist Entity Name
ISIS
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, territory-controlling, terrorist, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Islamist, jihadist, Pan-Islamist, Salafist, takfiri
Position
Foreign fighter
Date of Birth
1967 or 1969
Place of Birth
United States
Place of Residence
New Jersey, United States
Arrested
01/16/2015: material support
Citizenship
U.S.
Extremist use of social media
Facebook
Current Location(s)
New Jersey, United States
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CHLb5fV0nugLxl3UBU5Dgoy2N46tP2omog2TfxK-97g/pubhtml
Select Al-Awlaki Grid
U.S Homegrown Radicals
Al-Awlaki Description

Attempted foreign fighter: Convicted on charges of lending material assistance to ISIS. Traveled from Egypt to Turkey in an attempt to cross into Syria to join the terrorist group. In a letter from Turkey, he pledged to “establish and defend the Islamic State.”

Connection to al-Awlaki

Posted al-Awlaki’s quotes on social media

Select Extremists Convert Grid
U.S
Extremists Convert Description

Attempted foreign fighter, New Jersey: U.S. Air Force veteran who attempted to travel to Syria to join ISIS. Pugh was the first American to be convicted in a jury trial of providing material support to ISIS.

Converted to Islam

Converted to Islam after moving to Texas in 1998, according to federal authorities. Pugh posted quotes by AQAP propagandist Anwar al-Awlaki on social media. He reportedly expressed support for Osama bin Laden while working as a mechanic for American Airlines in 2001. A coworker reported the incident the FBI. Pugh had 130 jihadist propaganda videos on his laptop, according to prosecutors.
(Estimated age at conversion: 28-30)

Extremist Converts Sources
Show on Extremists & Online Propaganda report
On
Type of extremist
Attempted foreign fighter
Citizenship
U.S.
Description

Traveled from Egypt to Turkey in January 2015 in an attempt to cross the border into Syria, but was stopped by Turkish authorities and transferred to U.S. custody. Found guilty of attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization and in May 2017, was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Propaganda type(s)
Video
Propaganda details

His laptop contained searches for the ISIS propaganda video “Flames of War” ––a 55-minute video depicting captured Syrian soldiers being shot after digging their own graves, among other scenes. He also downloaded ISIS propaganda videos, including execution videos.

Platform used to access propaganda
Not determined
Accessed violent propaganda?
Yes
Accessed propaganda providing instructions on how to prepare or execute violent acts?
Not determined
Disseminated?
Not determined
Viewed/Discussed with others?
Not determined
Al-Awlaki Sources
Extremist Image
Country of Origin
Extremist Entity Association
Leader

Minnesota-based Zacharia Yusuf Abdurahman is one of nine Somali-American men charged by the FBI with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS.Mike Levine, “Feds Arrest ‘Emir’ of ISIS-Related Recruitment Effort in Minnesota,” ABC 7 (Los Angeles), December 10, 2015, http://abc7.com/news/feds-arrest-emir-of-isis-related-recruitment-effort-in-minnesota/1117161/; “Six Minnesota Men Charged with Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, April 20, 2015, https://www.fbi.gov/minneapolis/press-releases/2015/six-minnesota-men-charged-with-conspiracy-to-provide-material-support-to-the-islamic-state-of-iraq-and-the-levant. In November of 2014, authorities prevented Abdulrahman from boarding a plane at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International airport in his alleged effort to join the terror group.Scott Shane, “6 Minnesotans Held In Plot to Join ISIS,” New York Times, April 20, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/21/us/6-somali-americans-arrested-in-isis-recruiting-case.html?_r=0. He was arrested in April of 2015 in Minneapolis and charged with conspiring to provide material support to ISIS.Scott Shane, “6 Minnesotans Held In Plot to Join ISIS,” New York Times, April 20, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/21/us/6-somali-americans-arrested-in-isis-recruiting-case.html?_r=0. Abdurahman pled guilty in September of 2015.U.S. Department of Justice, “Minnesota Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” FBI, September 17, 2015, https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/minneapolis/news/press-releases/minnesota-man-pleads-guilty-to-conspiracy-to-provide-material-support-to-isil.

The Somali-American men are believed to be self-radicalized, having discussed ISIS and its ideology in informal gatherings, including playing basketball. A key figure in the group of men is Abdiwali Nur, who allegedly successfully left for Syria in May 2014.Scott Shane, “6 Minnesotans Held In Plot to Join ISIS,” New York Times, April 20, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/21/us/6-somali-americans-arrested-in-isis-recruiting-case.html?_r=0. Authorities now believe that Nur is dead.Laura Yuen, “3 of 9 Twin Cities men sentenced in ISIS conspiracy trial,” MPR News, November 14, 2016, https://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/11/14/first-day-of-sentencing-isis-trial.

Abdurahman did not cooperate with authorities while in custody. On November 14, 2016, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison with 20 years of supervised release. During his sentencing, Abdurahman reportedly broke down in tears and spoke of how he had been bullied for being a Muslim. He said that ISIS’s ideology represented a “hug” for the pain and isolation he felt. He apologized to his family, but, when asked why he didn’t cooperate with authorities by sharing information about his co-conspirators, told the court that “[Islam] teaches you not to harm another brother.”Laura Yuen, “3 of 9 Twin Cities men sentenced in ISIS conspiracy trial,” MPR News, November 14, 2016, https://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/11/14/first-day-of-sentencing-isis-trial; Associated Press, “Cooperation Results in Light Sentences in Islamic State Case,” New York Times, November 14, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/11/14/us/ap-us-islamic-state-americans-minnesota.html?_r=1.

Types of operatives
Extremist Entity Name
ISIS
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, territory-controlling, terrorist, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Islamist, jihadist, Pan-Islamist, Salafist, takfiri
Position
Would-be foreign fighter
Date of Birth
1996
Place of Birth
Somalia (suspected)
Place of Residence
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Arrested
4/20/2015: Material support
Citizenship
U.S.
Current Location(s)
Minnesota
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IZJ49-wPVa9WtdYDyj-12wimxVD9kIXxAMds96AyO4I/pubhtml
Show on Extremists & Online Propaganda report
On
Type of extremist
Attempted foreign fighter
Citizenship
U.S.
Description

Part of a group of Somali-American youth from Minnesota who conspired to join ISIS abroad. Attempted to board a plane at New York’s JFK airport in November 2014 in an effort to join ISIS. Pled guilty in September 2015 to charges of conspiring to provide material support to the group.

Propaganda type(s)
Video
Propaganda details

Watched ISIS propaganda videos that “glorified religious violence” with other young Somali-American men.

Platform used to access propaganda
Not determined
Accessed violent propaganda?
Not determined
Accessed propaganda providing instructions on how to prepare or execute violent acts?
Not determined
Disseminated?
Not determined
Viewed/Discussed with others?
Yes
Extremist Image
Country of Origin
Extremist Entity Association
Leader

U.S. citizen Hamza Naj Ahmed has pled guilty to charges of financial aid fraud and conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization after he had allegedly sought to use a student loan of $2,700 in order to travel to Syria and join ISIS abroad.Associated Press, “Another Minnesota man pleads guilty to trying to join ISIS,” New York Daily News, April 25, 2016, http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/minnesota-man-pleads-guilty-islamic-state-case-article-1.2614214. Ahmed, due to be sentenced in November of 2016, faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a lifetime of supervised release.“First 3 Minnesota ISIS recruit sentences range from zero to 10 years,” Fox 9, November 14, 2016, http://www.fox9.com/news/217476498-story.

Court papers reveal that Ahmed was among three others—co-conspirators Mohamed Abdihamid Farah, Zacharia Yusuf Abdurahim, and Hanad Mustafe Musse—scheduled to depart on international flights from John F. Kennedy International (JFK) Airport on November 8, 2014. Ahmed allegedly expected to reach Syria via Turkey, but was removed from the airplane by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents after boarding.“Hamza Naj Ahmed Indicted for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant,” FBI, February 19, 2015, https://www.fbi.gov/minneapolis/press-releases/2015/hamza-naj-ahmed-indicted-for-conspiring-to-provide-material-support-to-the-islamic-state-of-iraq-and-the-levant.

On October 21, 2015, Ahmed was charged with a new count of conspiracy to commit murder outside the United States. He is scheduled to go to trial in February 2016.Associated Press, “Superseding indictment has new details in ISIL case,” Kare 11, October 21 ,2015, http://www.kare11.com/story/news/crime/2015/10/21/superseding-indictment-has-new-details-in-isil-case/74357926.

In February of 2015, Ahmed was charged with conspiring to provide material support to ISIS. Ahmed was denied bail on July 8, 2015 due to his designation as a flight risk. Ahmed was charged alongside a group of eight other Minnesotan-based ISIS recruits: Farah, Abdurahim, and Musse, as well as Abdullahi Yusuf, Abdirizak Warsame, Guled Ali Omar, Abdirahman Yasin Daud, and Mohamed Abdihamid Farah.“First 3 Minnesota ISIS recruit sentences range from zero to 10 years,” Fox 9, November 14, 2016, http://www.fox9.com/news/217476498-story. One of the defendants’ associates, Abdiwali Nur, is believed to have successfully joined ISIS in Syria in May 2014.“United States of America v. Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame,” U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, December 9, 2015, 8, http://kstp.com/kstpImages/repository/cs/files/WarsameComplaint.pdf.

Ahmed was sentenced to 15 years in prison on November 15, 2016. Ahmed told the court he was thankful to U.S. authorities who removed him from the airplane in November of 2014—admitting that they most likely saved his life. Ahmed told U.S. District Judge Michael Davis, “I want you to understand I am not completely changed. I’m in the process, but nobody changes overnight.” “Two Minnesota men sentenced for trying to aid Islamic State: local media,” Reuters, November 15, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-minnesota-security-idUSKBN13A2C8; Associated Press, “Minnesota Man Tells Judge, ‘I am a Terrorist,’ Gets 10 Years,” New York Times, November 15, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/11/15/us/ap-us-islamic-state-americans-minnesota.html?_r=1.

Types of operatives
Extremist Entity Name
ISIS
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, territory-controlling, terrorist, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Islamist, jihadist, Pan-Islamist, Salafist, takfiri
Position
Would-be foreign fighter
Date of Birth
1996
Place of Residence
St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
Arrested
02/05/2015: material support, false statement
Citizenship
U.S.
Extremist use of social media
Instagram, Twitter
Current Location(s)
Minnesota
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GqL8J4jL7c6vSrKkFwWWunYjjla8BTo-ZWikNmzyptA/pubhtml
Show on Extremists & Online Propaganda report
On
Type of extremist
Attempted foreign fighter
Citizenship
U.S.
Description

Part of a group of Somali-American youth in Minnesota who conspired to join ISIS abroad in 2014. Boarded a plane at New York’s JFK airport in November 2014 in an attempt to join ISIS abroad, but was removed from the plane by authorities before its departure. Pled guilty in April 2016 to conspiring to provide material support to the group.

Propaganda type(s)
Video
Propaganda details

Came to believe that ISIS was “helping the innocent people, similar to government organizations” while watching online ISIS propaganda videos, some of which depicted mass executions of prisoners.

Platform used to access propaganda
Not determined
Accessed violent propaganda?
Yes
Accessed propaganda providing instructions on how to prepare or execute violent acts?
Not determined
Disseminated?
Not determined
Viewed/Discussed with others?
Yes
Extremist Image
Country of Origin
Extremist Entity Association
Leader

Kenyan-born Abdurahman Yasin Daud is a U.S. permanent resident and convicted ISIS conspirator. He was arrested alongside fellow Minnesotans in April 2015 for conspiring to join ISIS. The men had planned—over the course of 10 months—to travel to Syria to provide material support to ISIS.“Six Minnesota Men Charged with Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 20, 2015, https://www.fbi.gov/minneapolis/press-releases/2015/six-minnesota-men-charged-with-conspiracy-to-provide-material-support-to-the-islamic-state-of-iraq-and-the-levant. Daud had discussed his desire to purchase an AK-47 in Syria in order to kill Shiites, according to an undercover FBI informant.Aamer Madhani, “3 Minneapolis men found guilty in plot to join ISIL,” USA Today, June 3, 2016, http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/06/03/3-minneapolis-men-found-guilty-plot-join-isil/85355076/.

In April 2015, Daud was arrested in California while attempting to purchase fake passports from an undercover FBI agent in order to travel to Syria.Laura Yuen, “Minnesota terror suspect deemed flight risk, held for trial,” MPR News, May 22, 2015, http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/05/22/abdirahman-daud. The following month, Chief U.S. District Judge Michael Davis designated Daud as a flight risk.Laura Yuen, “Minnesota terror suspect deemed flight risk, held for trial,” MPR News, May 22, 2015, http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/05/22/abdirahman-daud. That October, Daud was charged with a new count of conspiracy to commit murder outside the United States.Associated Press, “Superseding indictment has new details in ISIL case,” Kare 11, October 21 ,2015, http://www.kare11.com/story/news/crime/2015/10/21/superseding-indictment-has-new-details-in-isil-case/74357926/.

In early June 2016, Daud was found guilty of conspiring to provide material support to a terrorist organization, as well as conspiring to commit murder overseas.Jack Healy and Matt Furber, “3 Somali-Americans Found Guilty of Trying to Join Islamic State,” New York Times, June 3, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/04/us/somali-americans-verdict-minneapolis-isis.html. On November 16, 2016, Judge Michael Davis sentenced Daud to 30 years in prison. Daud told the court that he hoped his fellow Muslims would not be blinded by ISIS’s ideology. He said, “I’m certainly not being persecuted for my faith. I was certainly not entrapped. I was not going there to pass out medical kits or food. I was going strictly to fight and kill on behalf of [ISIS].”“Final 3 Minnesota men sentenced in Islamic State case,” Chicago Tribune, November 16, 2016, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/midwest/ct-islamic-state-minnesota-20161116-story.html.

He was found guilty alongside co-conspirators Guled Ali Omar and Mohamed Abdihamid Farah. The men face possible life sentences in prison.Aamer Madhani, “3 Minneapolis men found guilty in plot to join ISIL,” USA Today, June 3, 2016, http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/06/03/3-minneapolis-men-found-guilty-plot-join-isil/85355076/. Among the individuals tried as part of the ISIS recruitment cell were co-conspirators Guled Ali Omar, Mohamed Abdihamid Farah, Hanad Mustafe Musse, Adnan Farah, Zacharia Yusuf Abdurahman, Abdullahi Yusuf, Hamza Naj Ahmed, and Abdirizak Warsame.

Types of operatives
Extremist Entity Name
ISIS
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, territory-controlling, terrorist, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Islamist, jihadist, Pan-Islamist, Salafist, takfiri
Position
Would-be foreign fighter
Date of Birth
1993 or 1994
Place of Birth
Kenya
Place of Residence
Minnesota, United States
Arrested
5/9/2015: Material support
Citizenship
Somalian, U.S. permanent resident
Education
College (incomplete)
Current Location(s)
Minnesota, U.S.
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1b3mRNR3Mwk2uJXArswU0D3BO9yxqyCiFZ1LvxtiXLrc/pubhtml
Show on Extremists & Online Propaganda report
On
Type of extremist
Attempted foreign fighter
Citizenship
U.S.
Description

Part of a group of Somali-American youth from Minnesota who conspired to join ISIS in Syria. Arrested in April 2015 and charged with conspiring to provide material support to the group. Pled guilty and in November 2016, was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Propaganda type(s)
Video, Speech
Propaganda details

Drove to San Diego with Mohamed Farah and Abdirahman Bashir, two other Somali-American youth from Minnesota who conspired to join ISIS in Syria. During the car ride, they watched ISIS propaganda videos and listened to speeches by now-deceased AQAP recruiter Anwar al-Awlaki.

Platform used to access propaganda
Not determined
Accessed violent propaganda?
Not determined
Accessed propaganda providing instructions on how to prepare or execute violent acts?
Not determined
Disseminated?
Not determined
Viewed/Discussed with others?
Yes
Extremist Image
Country of Origin
Extremist Entity Association
Leader

Reza Niknejad is an American citizen and alleged foreign fighter with ISIS in Syria. Niknejad allegedly traveled to Syria in January 2015 with the help of his now-convicted high school friend Ali Shukri Amin. Amin hosted a popular pro-ISIS Twitter account under the handle @AmreekiWitness (now suspended).Matt Zapotosky, “Va. teen admits he was secret voice behind a pro-ISIS Twitter account,” Washington Post, June 11, 2015, http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/northern-va-teen-admits-running-pro-islamic-state-twitter-and-helping-man-join-terrorist-group/2015/06/11/1d0cb33e-0eef-11e5-9726-49d6fa26a8c6_story.html.

Amin allegedly accompanied Niknejad to the airport and put him in contact with unnamed ISIS militants with whom he had formed connections over social media.Matt Zapotosky, “Va. teen admits he was secret voice behind a pro-ISIS Twitter account,” Washington Post, June 11, 2015, http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/northern-va-teen-admits-running-pro-islamic-state-twitter-and-helping-man-join-terrorist-group/2015/06/11/1d0cb33e-0eef-11e5-9726-49d6fa26a8c6_story.html. Soon after, Amin reportedly delivered a letter written by Niknejad to his family, in which Niknejad wrote that he had traveled to Saudi Arabia to study Islam.Matt Zapotosky, “Va. teen admits he was secret voice behind a pro-ISIS Twitter account,” Washington Post, June 11, 2015, http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/northern-va-teen-admits-running-pro-islamic-state-twitter-and-helping-man-join-terrorist-group/2015/06/11/1d0cb33e-0eef-11e5-9726-49d6fa26a8c6_story.html.

A Virginia court charged Niknejad in absentia on June 10, 2015, for conspiring to provide material support to ISIS, conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and conspiring to kill or injure individuals in a foreign country.Matt Zapotosky, “Va. teen admits he was secret voice behind a pro-ISIS Twitter account,” Washington Post, June 11, 2015, http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/northern-va-teen-admits-running-pro-islamic-state-twitter-and-helping-man-join-terrorist-group/2015/06/11/1d0cb33e-0eef-11e5-9726-49d6fa26a8c6_story.html.

Types of operatives
Extremist Entity Name
ISIS
Type[s] of Organization
Insurgent, territory-controlling, terrorist, violent
Type[s] of Ideology
Islamist, jihadist, Pan-Islamist, Salafist, takfiri
Position
Foreign Fighter
Date of Birth
1997
Place of Birth
Iran
Place of Residence
Woodbridge, Virginia, United States
Citizenship
U.S.
Current Location(s)
Woodbridge, Virginia, U.S.
History Timeline
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tmeXHHaKumNYPh4WDfD8fxbr5uKSnpEZmsGUCmNo7QA/pubhtml
Extremist Image
Country of Origin
Extremist Entity Association
Leader

Daily Dose

Extremists: Their Words. Their Actions.

Fact:

On October 7, 2023, Hamas invaded southern Israel where, in the space of eight hours, hundreds of armed terrorists perpetrated mass crimes of brutality, rape, and torture against men, women and children. In the biggest attack on Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust, 1,200 were killed, and 251 were taken hostage into Gaza—where 101 remain. One year on, antisemitic incidents have increased by record numbers. 

View Archive