Abdul Malik Abdul Kareem is a U.S. citizen, supporter of ISIS, and a convicted terrorist. Kareem helped to plot the May 2015 attack on the “Draw Muhammad” cartoon contest in Garland, Texas, alongside co-conspirators Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi. In March of 2016, a federal jury convicted Kareem of providing material support to ISIS.David Schwartz, “Arizona man found guilty in 'Draw Mohammed' event shooting,” Reuters, March 17, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-arizona-shooting-verdict-idUSKCN0WJ306. On February 8, 2017, he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of post-release supervision.“Arizona Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Conspiracy to Support ISIL and Other Federal Offenses,” U.S. Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs, February 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/arizona-man-sentenced-30-years-conspiracy-support-isil-and-other-federal-offenses; “Abdul Malik Abdul Kareem Sentenced to 30 Years,” ABC15 Arizona, February 8, 2017, https://www.abc15.com/news/region-phoenix-metro/central-phoenix/abdul-malik-abdul-kareem-sentenced-to-30-years. Kareem’s trial was the first U.S. jury trial involving an ISIS-inspired attack inside the United States.“Phoenix Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Support ISIL and Other Terrorism-Related Offenses,” U.S. Department of Justice, March 17, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/phoenix-man-convicted-conspiracy-support-isil-and-other-terrorism-related-offenses.

Law enforcement investigations into Kareem’s terrorist activity date back to 2012 when authorities searched his apartment and found extremist content on his computer.Associated Press, “FBI: Man tied to Texas shooting wanted to attack bigger target,” CBS News, June 17, 2015, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/phoenix-man-shooting-texas-prophet-muhammad-contest-super-bowl-fbi/. Kareem reportedly researched how to join ISIS in the Middle East before June 2014, when he is believed to have begun planning domestic attacks on behalf of ISIS alongside Simpson and Soofi.“Phoenix Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Support ISIL and Other Terrorism-Related Offenses,” U.S. Department of Justice, March 17, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/phoenix-man-convicted-conspiracy-support-isil-and-other-terrorism-related-offenses. Kareem subsequently asked Simpson and Soofi to live with him, and, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, “exhorted and encouraged” both men to carry out the attack on the “Draw Muhammad” cartoon contest, planned for May 3, 2015, in Garland, Texas.Associated Press, “FBI: Man tied to Texas shooting wanted to attack bigger target,” CBS News, June 17, 2015, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/phoenix-man-shooting-texas-prophet-muhammad-contest-super-bowl-fbi/; “United States of America v. Abdul Malik Abdul Kareem, aka Decarus Thomas,” U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, December 22, 2015, 6.

In late 2014, Kareem began researching how to obtain explosives, according to prosecutors. Before deciding to attack the Garland event, Kareem’s possible targets included the Westgate Mall and the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, which was set to host Super Bowl XLIX on February 1, 2015.“United States of America v. Abdul Malik Abdul Kareem, aka Decarus Thomas,” U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, December 22, 2015, 7.

Kareem, Simpson, and Soofi instead decided to target to the Garland cartoon contest.Fernanda Santos, “Guilty Verdict for Aiding in Attack on Anti-Islam Cartoon Event in Texas,” New York Times, March 17, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/18/us/garland-texas-attack-abdul-malik-abdul-kareem.html?_r=0. While Kareem was not present at the shooting on May 3, 2015, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph E. Koehler later referred to Kareem as the “motivator… bankroller…[and] trainer” behind the attack.Fernanda Santos, “Guilty Verdict for Aiding in Attack on Anti-Islam Cartoon Event in Texas,” New York Times, March 17, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/18/us/garland-texas-attack-abdul-malik-abdul-kareem.html?_r=0.

On May 3, 2015, Soofi and Simpson—armed with assault rifles—arrived at the Curtis Culwell Center where the cartoon contest was taking place. Dressed in full body armor, the two men began firing at the venue before entering the building. A security guard intervened, killing Soofi and Simpson in a firefight that prevented the ISIS supporters from harming anyone inside.David Taintor, Alastair Jamieson, “Garland shooting: What we know,” MSNBC, May 5, 2015, http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/draw-muhammad-shooting-what-we-know. ISIS swiftly claimed responsibility for the attack and referred to Simpson and Soofi as its “soldiers.”Holly Yan, “Texas attack: What we know about Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi,” CNN, May 5, 2015, http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/05/us/texas-shooting-gunmen/.

It was later revealed that an undercover FBI agent was parked outside the cartoon contest and drove away when the attack began. According to court documents, that same agent had been posing as a jihadi and texting with Simpson less than three weeks prior to the attack encouraging him to “tear up Texas.”Naomi Martin, “Security Guard Injured in Garland Terror Attack Tormented by Belief that FBI Knew of ISIS Plot,” Dallas Morning News, May 26, 2017, https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2017/05/26/security-guard-injured-in-garland-terror-attack-tormented-by-belief-that-fbi-knew-of-isis-plot/; Anderson Cooper, “60 Minutes Investigates First ISIS-Claimed Attack in U.S. and What the FBI Knew,” CBS News, March 26, 2017, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/terrorism-in-garland-texas-what-the-fbi-knew-before-the-2015-attack/. On December 20, 2017, Kareem appealed for a retrial, which was ultimately unsuccessful.Associated Press, “Abdul Malik Abdul Kareem Update: Arizona Man Seeks New Trial,” ABC15 Arizona, June 13, 2018, https://www.abc15.com/news/national/abdul-malik-abdul-kareem-update-arizona-man-seeks-new-trial. His attorneys alleged that the prosecution failed to disclose the FBI agent’s text messages with Simpson and the agent’s presence outside of the convention center on the day of the attack. The prosecution responded by stating that the FBI investigation was classified at the time of the trial.Associated Press, “Phoenix Man Appeals Conviction of Helping to Plot Texas Attack,” AZ Central, December 21, 2017, https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2017/12/21/phoenix-man-appeals-conviction-helping-plot-texas-attack/975109001/.

On June 11, 2018, Kareem’s attorneys filed another unsuccessful motion for a new trial, citing evidence that the FBI agent communicated with ISIS recruiter Erick Jamal Hendricks, who had also reportedly communicated with Simpson over social media prior to the cartoon contest attack.Associated Press, “Abdul Malik Abdul Kareem Update: Arizona Man Seeks New Trial,” ABC15 Arizona, June 13, 2018, https://www.abc15.com/news/national/abdul-malik-abdul-kareem-update-arizona-man-seeks-new-trial; Tom Steele, “FBI Says Man Accused of Recruiting for Islamic State Had Ties to Garland Attack,” Dallas Morning News, August 4, 2016, https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2016/08/04/fbi-says-man-accused-of-recruiting-for-islamic-state-had-ties-to-garland-attack/. The defense argued that knowledge of the FBI’s activities and Simpson’s connection to Hendricks was important information that could have changed the outcome of Kareem’s trial.Associated Press, “Abdul Malik Abdul Kareem Update: Arizona Man Seeks New Trial,” ABC15 Arizona, June 13, 2018, https://www.abc15.com/news/national/abdul-malik-abdul-kareem-update-arizona-man-seeks-new-trial.

On December 23, 2019, federal judge Susan Bolton ruled that Kareem should be retried on one count of transporting weapons across state lines.Anita Snow and Jacques Billeaud, “Arizona Judge Calls for Retrial of Phoenix Man on 1 Count in Texas Attack,” AZ Family, December 27, 2019, https://www.azfamily.com/news/arizona-judge-calls-for-retrial-of-phoenix-man-on-1-count-in-texas-attack/article_19e09e26-2904-11ea-8ad4-e777044d6167.html. Kareem’s attorneys sought a new trial or an overturn of Kareem’s conviction on the basis that the FBI failed to turn over relevant surveillance footage that showed Simpson and Soofi leaving their shared Phoenix apartment on the day of the cartoon contest attack. The video did not show Kareem, however, and the defense asserted that “a reasonable juror would expect someone who allegedly motivated, trained and bankrolled the attackers would be with them” right before the attack.“Judge Considers FBI's Failure to Turn Over Video in Terror Case Against Arizona Man,” AZ Central, October 11, 2019, https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2019/10/11/abdul-malik-abdul-kareem-case-judge-considers-failure-disclose-video/3942710002/. Bolton denied the request for a completely new trial, instead finding that the new evidence only warranted a retrial on the interstate weapons transport charge. If he is found not guilty on that one count, 10 years could be dropped from Kareem’s sentence.Anita Snow and Jacques Billeaud, “Arizona Judge Calls for Retrial of Phoenix Man on 1 Count in Texas Attack,” AZ Family, December 27, 2019, https://www.azfamily.com/news/arizona-judge-calls-for-retrial-of-phoenix-man-on-1-count-in-texas-attack/article_19e09e26-2904-11ea-8ad4-e777044d6167.html.

Colleen R. LaRose is an American citizen and a convicted Islamic extremist. Between 2008 and 2009, LaRose served as an online recruiter and fundraiser for an Ireland-based al-Qaeda cell from her home in Pennsylvania.“United States of America v. Colleen R. LaRose a/k/a ‘Fatima LaRose’ a/k/a ‘JihadJane’,” United States District Court for the Easter District of Pennsylvania, January 28, 2011, 4. In August of 2009, she traveled to Ireland to live with the cell members and to plan the assassination of Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, LaRose agreed to kill Vilks—who had previously depicted the Islamic prophet Muhammad as a dog—in such a way that would frighten “the whole Kufar [nonbeliever] world.”“Pennsylvania Woman Indicted in Plot to Recruit Violent Jihadist Fighters and to Commit Murder Overseas,” U.S. Department of Justice, March 9, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/pennsylvania-woman-indicted-plot-recruit-violent-jihadist-fighters-and-commit-murder-overseas. LaRose lived in Ireland for approximately six weeks before she “grew frustrated” with the slow pace of her fellow cell members and returned to the United States, according to the Assistant U.S. Attorney. She was arrested by the FBI in October 2009.“United States of America v. Colleen R. LaRose a/k/a ‘Fatima LaRose’ a/k/a ‘JihadJane’,” United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, December 30, 2013, 5. LaRose pled guilty to four terrorism-related charges in February 2011,“United States of America v. Colleen R. LaRose a/k/a ‘Fatima LaRose’ a/k/a ‘JihadJane’,” United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, December 30, 2013, 6. and authorities sentenced her to 10 years in prison in January 2014.John Shiffman, “U.S. woman known as Jihad Jane sentenced to 10 years in plot,” Reuters, January 6, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-jihadjane-idUSBREA050PC20140106.

Starting in 2007, LaRose grew self-radicalized online and went by the nom de guerre “Jihad Jane.” LaRose is believed to have accessed extremist content on YouTube, where she reportedly watched videos posted by Revolution Muslim, a now-defunct extremist group founded by American citizen Jesse Morton.“Leader of Revolution Muslim Pleads Guilty to Using Internet to Solicit Murder and Encourage Violent Extremism,” FBI, February 9, 2012, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/washingtondc/press-releases/2012/leader-of-revolution-muslim-pleads-guilty-to-using-internet-to-solicit-murder-and-encourage-violent-extremism. Morton pled guilty in February 2012 to conspiring to solicit murder and using the Internet “to place others in fear.”“Leader of Revolution Muslim Pleads Guilty to Using Internet to Solicit Murder and Encourage Violent Extremism,” FBI, February 9, 2012, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/washingtondc/press-releases/2012/leader-of-revolution-muslim-pleads-guilty-to-using-internet-to-solicit-murder-and-encourage-violent-extremism. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Morton personally told Jamaican-based extremist cleric Abdullah Faisal that LaRose subscribed to Revolution Muslim’s YouTube account.“Leader of Revolution Muslim Pleads Guilty to Using Internet to Solicit Murder and Encourage Violent Extremism,” FBI, February 9, 2012, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/washingtondc/press-releases/2012/leader-of-revolution-muslim-pleads-guilty-to-using-internet-to-solicit-murder-and-encourage-violent-extremism. LaRose was also reportedly radicalized by the online lectures of Anwar al-Awlaki, the late al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) cleric.Peter K. Forster, “Countering Individual Jihad: Perspectives on Nidal Hasan and Colleen LaRose,” GlobalEcco, https://globalecco.org/countering-individual-jihad-perspectives-on-nidal-hasan-and-colleen-larose#35;
“Anwar al-Awlaki, Counter Extremism Project, January 2016, http://www.counterextremism.com/sites/default/themes/bricktheme/stylesheets/images/disruption/CEP_Report_Anwar_al-Awlaki.pdf. LaRose was allegedly listed as a “friend” on a YouTube channel of Awlaki’s sermons.Steve Emerson, “Web Weaves Evidence Against ‘Jihad Jane’,” Newsmax, March 10, 2010, http://www.newsmax.com/t/finance/article/352269.

LaRose’s online activity brought her into contact with Ireland-based Ali Charaf Damache, an Algerian citizen who recruited LaRose to the al-Qaeda cell.“US woman who plotted to kill Swedish cartoonist sentenced to 10 years,” AlJazeera America, January 6, 2014, http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/1/6/us-woman-who-plottedtokillswedishcartoonistsentencedto10years.html;
John Burns, “Irish Town Puzzled by Role in Investigation,” New York Times, March 19, 2010, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/20/world/europe/20ireland.html?ref=topics&_r=0. Her co-conspirators reportedly viewed LaRose as an asset because of her physical attributes as well as her gender and American citizenship.“Pennsylvania Woman Indicted in Plot to Recruit Violent Jihadist Fighters and to Commit Murder Overseas,” U.S. Department of Justice, March 9, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/pennsylvania-woman-indicted-plot-recruit-violent-jihadist-fighters-and-commit-murder-overseas. Upon her departure to Ireland in August 2009, LaRose brought with her a stolen American passport to “facilitate an act of international terrorism,” according to her guilty plea. She reportedly intended to provide a co-conspirator with the passport in order to help him enter Europe.“United States of America v. Colleen R. LaRose a/k/a ‘Fatima LaRose’ a/k/a ‘JihadJane’,” United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, December 30, 2013, 6; “United States of America v. Colleen R. LaRose a/k/a ‘Fatima LaRose’ a/k/a ‘JihadJane’,” United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, January 28, 2011, 6. LaRose also sought to gain residency status in a European country, and to then marry a fellow extremist in order to ease his path to EU citizenship.“United States of America v. Colleen R. LaRose a/k/a ‘Fatima LaRose’ a/k/a ‘JihadJane’,” United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, March 4, 2010, 4.

In October of 2009, after spending about six weeks in Ireland, LaRose “grew frustrated because her co-conspirators were not ready for action,” according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Williams.“US woman who plotted to kill Swedish cartoonist sentenced to 10 years,” AlJazeera America, January 6, 2014, http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/1/6/us-woman-who-plottedtokillswedishcartoonistsentencedto10years.html. LaRose returned to the United States for what she planned to be a temporary visit,“United States of America v. Colleen R. LaRose a/k/a ‘Fatima LaRose’ a/k/a ‘JihadJane’,” United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, December 30, 2013, 5. but was arrested by the FBI within the following month. According to court records, LaRose began cooperating immediately with U.S. law enforcement and provided operational information and testimonies on the activities of her six co-conspirators in Ireland.“United States of America v. Colleen R. LaRose a/k/a ‘Fatima LaRose’ a/k/a ‘JihadJane’,” United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, December 30, 2013, 10;
“US woman who plotted to kill Swedish cartoonist sentenced to 10 years,” AlJazeera America, January 6, 2014, http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/1/6/us-woman-who-plottedtokillswedishcartoonistsentencedto10years.html. Her assistance to authorities provided Irish officials with enough evidence to arrest Damache and the five other co-conspirators in March of 2010.John Burns, “Irish Town Puzzled by Role in Investigation,” New York Times, March 19, 2010, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/20/world/europe/20ireland.html?ref=topics&_r=0. Because of her assistance, LaRose was sentenced to 10 years in prison rather than a life sentence.John Shiffman, “U.S. woman known as Jihad Jane sentenced to 10 years in plot,” Reuters, January 6, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-jihadjane-idUSBREA050PC20140106.

Saudi-born Muhannad al-Najdi is a U.S.-designated member of al-Qaeda. Al-Najdi traveled to Syria in 2013, prior to which he facilitated and planned attacks in Afghanistan. Since at least 2010, al-Najdi developed improvised explosive devices for use in Afghanistan and Syria.“Narrative Summaries of Reasons for Listing,” United Nations Security Council, February 29, 2016, https://www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/muhannad-al-najdi.

On September 24, 2014, the U.S. Department of State designated al-Najdi as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist pursuant to Executive Order 13224.“Individuals and Entities Designated by the State Department Under E.O. 13224,” U.S. Department of State, accessed May 5, 2016, http://www.state.gov/j/ct/rls/other/des/143210.htm. On March 3, 2016, the European Union designated al-Najdi as an al-Qaeda associate, pursuant Council Regulation (EC) No 881/2002.“Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/647,” March 3, 2016, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32016R0307. On April 20, 2016, the United Nations added al-Najdi to its “Al-Qaida Sanctions List.”“Narrative Summaries of Reasons for Listing,” United Nations Security Council, February 29, 2016, https://www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/muhannad-al-najdi.

Egyptian-born Mohammed Abdel-Halim Hemaida Saleh is a U.S.- and U.N.-designated member of al-Qaeda. Egyptian authorities arrested Saleh in May 2013 for allegedly recruiting suicide bombers to Syria and for planning terrorist attacks against Western targets in Cairo, Egypt.“QDi.387 Mohammed Abdel-Halim Hemaida Saleh,” United Nations, February 29, 2016, https://www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/mohammed-abdel-halim-hemaida-saleh; “Designations of Foreign Terrorist Fighters,” U.S. Department of State, September 24, 2014, http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2014/09/232067.htm.

At Saleh’s arrest, Egyptian authorities uncovered 22 pounds of explosives, and guides on how to construct bombs, rockets, and model airplanes.Thomas Joscelyn, “Egyptian interior minister: Al Qaeda cell plotted suicide attack against Western embassy,” Long War Journal, May 11, 2013, http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2013/05/egyptian_interior_mi.php; “QDi.387 Mohammed Abdel-Halim Hemaida Saleh,” United Nations, February 29, 2016, https://www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/mohammed-abdel-halim-hemaida-saleh. Saleh was arrested alongside two fellow members of al-Qaeda, Amr Muhammad Abu-al-Ila Aqidah and Muhammad Mustafa Muhammad Ibrahim Bayyumi.Thomas Joscelyn, “Egyptian interior minister: Al Qaeda cell plotted suicide attack against Western embassy,” Long War Journal, May 11, 2013, http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2013/05/egyptian_interior_mi.php.

Before his arrest, Saleh had reportedly maintained ties to the al-Qaeda-linked Khorasan group in Syria. Egyptian authorities noted that Saleh had been in contact with Dawood al Assadi—an alias used by former Khorasan leader Muhsin al Fadhli. Saleh was also reportedly receiving orders from the Muhammad Jamal network, an organization operating out of Egypt and Libya which maintains ties to al-Qaeda.Thomas Joscelyn, “State Department designations target al Qaeda’s international network,” Long War Journal, September 24, 2014, http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/09/treasury_designation_1.php. Muhammad Jamal al Kashef, the leader of the Muhammad Jamal network, was a prime suspect in the September 11, 2012, attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.Thomas Joscelyn, “Video reportedly shows key suspect from Benghazi attack,” Long War Journal, October 31, 2012, http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2012/10/benghazi_suspect_app.php.

On September 24, 2014, Saleh was designated by the U.S. Department of State as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Executive Order 13224.“Designations of Foreign Terrorist Fighters,” U.S. Department of State, September 24, 2014, http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2014/09/232067.htm. The United Nations and the European Union added Saleh to their al-Qaeda sanctions lists in spring 2016.“QDi.387 Mohammed Abdel-Halim Hemaida Saleh,” United Nations, February 29, 2016, https://www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/mohammed-abdel-halim-hemaida-saleh; “COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2016/307,” EUR-Lex, March 3, 2016, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32016R0307.

Mounir Ben Dhaou Ben Brahim Ben Helal was a Tunisian member of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) who was sanction-designated by the United States,“Treasury Sanctions Major Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Leaders, Financial Figures, Facilitators, and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 29, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0188.aspx. the United Nations,“Narrative Summaries of Reasons for Listing,” U.N. Security Council, February 29, 2016, https://www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/mounir-ben-dhaou-ben-brahim-ben-helal. and the European Union“Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/307 of 3 March 2016,” EUR-Lex, March 3, 2016, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1462456080638&uri=CELEX:32016R0307. for facilitating the flow of foreign fighters to the terror group.

According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Helal used “his experience in establishing and securing travel routes” to create networks in North Africa for AQIM, as well as to aid foreign fighters in traveling to Syria to join ISIS. The United States also accused Helal of supplying arms to AQIM.“Treasury Sanctions Major Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Leaders, Financial Figures, Facilitators, and Supporters,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 29, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0188.aspx.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) identified Helal as “Abu Mariam,” a senior ISIS leader killed in a November 2015 U.S. airstrike in Iraq. The strike targeted and killed a senior ISIS finance chief, known as “Abu Saleh.” According to AFP, Abu Mariam was “an enforcer and senior leader in the IS group’s extortion networks.” The news agency reported that Abu Mariam “appears on the State Department’s terrorist list as Mounir Ben Dhaou Ben Brahim Ben Helal, a 32-year-old Tunisian.”Agence France-Press, “IS finance chief killed in Iraq air strike: US,” Yahoo News, December 11, 2015, https://www.yahoo.com/news/finance-chief-confirmed-killed-air-strike-us-180340733.html?ref=gs. Despite Helal’s reported death, the United Nations listed him as an associate of al-Qaeda on February 29, 2016.“Narrative Summaries of Reasons for Listing,” U.N. Security Council, February 29, 2016, https://www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/mounir-ben-dhaou-ben-brahim-ben-helal. On the same day, the European Union added Helal to its list of Natural persons.“Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/307 of 3 March 2016,” EUR-Lex, March 3, 2016, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1462456080638&uri=CELEX:32016R0307.

Husayn Juaythini is a U.S.- and U.N.-designated Palestinian terrorist and a facilitator for ISIS. According to the United Nations, Juaithini is responsible for “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by…[ISIS].”“QDi.394: Husayn Juaythini,” United Nation Security Council Subsidiary Organs, April 20, 2016, https://www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/search/content/Husayn%20Juaythini. He is believed to operate out of Gaza.“Security Council ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee Adds Five Entries to Its Sanctions List,” United Nations Security Council, April 20, 2016, http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sc12332.doc.htm.

Juaythini is the Deputy Leader of the Mujahidin Shura Council in the Environs of Jerusalem (MSC), a U.S.-designated terrorist organization based in Gaza that seeks to conduct attacks against Israel.Julie Hirschfeld Davis, “U.S. Issues Sanctions Against Three ISIS Leaders, New York Times, February 11, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/12/world/middleeast/us-issues-sanctions-against-three-isis-leaders.html; “Security Council ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee Adds Five Entries to Its Sanctions List,” United Nations Security Council, April 20, 2016, http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sc12332.doc.htm. In 2013, Juaythini worked to acquire supplies for MSC to wage attacks on the Jewish state. Juaythini also worked with a Libyan-based facilitator who provided weapons and money to fuel Juaythini’s undertakings in Gaza.“Treasury Sanctions Key ISIL Leaders and Facilitators Including a Senior Oil Official,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 11, 2016, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0351.aspx.

Juaythini was made deputy leader of MSC in mid-2014.“Treasury Sanctions Key ISIL Leaders and Facilitators Including a Senior Oil Official,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 11, 2016, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0351.aspx. As a leader of the group, Juaythini traveled to Syria in September 2014 to pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.Thomas Joscelyn, “Treasury sanctions Islamic State oil and religious officials, facilitator in Gaza,” Long War Journal, February 11, 2016, http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/02/treasury-sanctions-islamic-state-oil-and-religious-officials-facilitator-in-gaza.php. According to the U.S. Treasury, Juaythini was “tasked to return to Gaza and establish a foothold for” ISIS’s global network there. He is described as “the link” between al-Baghdadi and armed groups in Gaza.“Treasury Sanctions Key ISIL Leaders and Facilitators Including a Senior Oil Official,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 11, 2016, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0351.aspx. Juaythini reportedly allocated funds from al-Baghdadi in order to build a presence for ISIS in the Palestinian Territories.Thomas Joscelyn, “Treasury sanctions Islamic State oil and religious officials, facilitator in Gaza,” Long War Journal, February 11, 2016, http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/02/treasury-sanctions-islamic-state-oil-and-religious-officials-facilitator-in-gaza.php.

According to the U.S. Treasury, Juaythini was “instrumental” in bolstering ties between Gazan- and Libyan-based jihadists and assisting their travel to Syria. Juaythini’s facilitation network in Gaza serves as ISIS’s epicenter through which it funnels foreign fighters from North Africa into Syria.“Treasury Sanctions Key ISIL Leaders and Facilitators Including a Senior Oil Official,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 11, 2016, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0351.aspx.

On February 11, 2016, the U.S. Treasury designated Juaythini as a foreign fighter facilitator for ISIS. The designation alleges Juaythini provided support services to the group by “facilitating communications and the movement of foreign terrorist fighters and conducting financial activities.”“Treasury Sanctions Key ISIL Leaders and Facilitators Including a Senior Oil Official,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 11, 2016, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0351.aspx. On April 20, 2016, the United Nations Security Council placed Juaythini on its ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List as a facilitator for ISIS.“QDi.394: Husayn Juaythini,” United Nation Security Council Subsidiary Organs, April 20, 2016, https://www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/search/content/Husayn%20Juaythini; “Security Council ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee Adds Five Entries to Its Sanctions List,” United Nations Security Council, April 20, 2016, http://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sc12332.doc.htm.

Abdul Rahim Muslim Dost is an Afghan extremist, journalist, poet, and former Guantanamo Bay detainee. At the time of his capture in 2001, Dost was accused of engaging in terrorist activities with al-Qaeda and the Taliban.Delcan Walsh, “Return my work, says Guantánamo poet,” Guardian (London), April 3, 2006, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/apr/03/guantanamo.books. He was also a member of Jamaat ud Dawa il al Quran al Sunnat (JDQ), a religious school with a militant and assassination wing known to provide both religious and paramilitary training.“The Guantanamo Docket: Abdul Rahim Muslim Dost: Combatant Status Review Tribunals Summaries,” New York Times, accessed March 18, 2016, http://projects.nytimes.com/guantanamo/detainees/561-abdul-rahim-muslim-dost/documents/5. According to Dost’s own account, he was part of the group of extremists who violently stormed and besieged the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in 1979.Thomas Joscelyn, “Gitmo ‘Poet’ Now Recruiting for Islamic State,” Weekly Standard, November 19, 2014, http://www.weeklystandard.com/article/gitmo-poet-now-recruiting-islamic-state/819587.

Dost was captured by Pakistani forces alongside his brother in November 2001 and later transferred to U.S. custody. Dost’s brother, Badr Zaman Badr, later suggested that the pair had been arrested on the basis of satire, telling American radio producers in 2007 that he and Dost had written a joke about a public official, who then told authorities the brothers were linked to al-Qaeda.Jennifer Fenton, “After repatriation, ex-Guantánamo Afghans pursue variety of life options,” Al Jazeera America, January 27, 2016, http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2016/1/27/guantanamo-afghans-repatriation-life.html;
“331: Habeas Schmabeas 2007 Transcript,” This American Life, originally aired April 27, 2007, https://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/331/habeas-schmabeas-2007. The pair was sent to Guantanamo Bay in early 2002.Delcan Walsh, “Return my work, says Guantánamo poet,” Guardian (London), April 3, 2006, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/apr/03/guantanamo.books. Also captured alongside Dost and transferred to Guantanamo was Dost’s brother, Badr Zaman Badr.Jennifer Fenton, “After repatriation, ex-Guantánamo Afghans pursue variety of life options,” Al Jazeera America, January 27, 2016, http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2016/1/27/guantanamo-afghans-repatriation-life.html.

Dost was repatriated to Afghanistan in April 2005 due in large part to his failing health condition. The illnesses recorded in Dost’s medical file—including a history of diabetes and an enlarged thyroid gland—contributed to an assessment by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint Task Force Guantanamo (JTF) that Dost posed a low risk to the United States, its interests, and allies.“The Guantanamo Docket: Abdul Rahim Muslim Dost: JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, accessed March 9, 2016, 1, http://projects.nytimes.com/guantanamo/detainees/561-abdul-rahim-muslim-dost/documents/11.

Following his release from Guantanamo, in 2006 Dost published “The Broken Chains,” an account of his experience in detention. In 2007, Dost’s poems were included in a volume of poems written by Guantanamo detainees called Poems from Guantánamo: the Detainees Speak, a collection that was edited by Marc Falcoff and published by University of Iowa Press in 2007.“Poems from Guantánamo,” University of Iowa Press, accessed March 18, 2016, http://www.uiowapress.org/books/2007-fall/falpoefro.html. Dost was arrested by Pakistani officials in 2006, a year before the release of Poems from Guantánamo. In 2008, he was released as part of a prisoner exchange with the Taliban. Thomas Joscelyn, “Gitmo ‘Poet’ Now Recruiting for Islamic State,” Weekly Standard, November 19, 2014, http://www.weeklystandard.com/article/gitmo-poet-now-recruiting-islamic-state/819587.

On July 1, 2014, Dost defected from the Taliban and swore allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, a mere two days following the terror group’s declaration of a caliphate.Thomas Joscelyn, “Gitmo ‘Poet’ Now Recruiting for Islamic State,” Weekly Standard, November 19, 2014, http://www.weeklystandard.com/article/gitmo-poet-now-recruiting-islamic-state/819587. Dost is believed to work as key ISIS commander and recruiter in the Afghan-Pakistan region.“Released Gitmo detainee joins ISIS,” Fox News, November 19, 2014, http://video.foxnews.com/v/3899320881001/released-gitmo-detainee-joins-isis;
“Life after Guantanamo: A tale of two Afghan friends,” Express Tribune (Karachi), February 27, 2017, https://tribune.com.pk/story/1340361/life-guantanamo-tale-two-afghan-friends/;
Bill Roggio, “Ex-Gitmo ‘poet’ and committed jihadist denounces Islamic State for attacks on civilians,” Long War Journal, July 30, 2016, http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/07/ex-gitmo-poet-and-committed-jihadist-denounces-islamic-state-for-attacks-on-civilians.php. His recruiting campaign for the terrorist group reportedly includes both pamphleteering as well as a graffiti project, which aims to plaster pro-ISIS messages throughout northern Pakistan.Thomas Joscelyn, “Gitmo ‘Poet’ Now Recruiting for Islamic State,” Weekly Standard, November 19, 2014, http://www.weeklystandard.com/article/gitmo-poet-now-recruiting-islamic-state/819587;
Zahir Shah Sherazi, “Islamic State footprints surface in parts of Bannu,” Dawn (Karachi), November 14, 2014, http://www.dawn.com/news/1144256/islamic-state-footprints-surface-in-parts-of-bannu.

According to some sources, Dost defected from ISIS at some point in 2015, and subsequently denounced the group’s wanton killing of civilians in Afghanistan.Bill Roggio, “Ex-Gitmo ‘poet’ and committed jihadist denounces Islamic State for attacks on civilians,” Long War Journal, July 30, 2016, http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/07/ex-gitmo-poet-and-committed-jihadist-denounces-islamic-state-for-attacks-on-civilians.php. Other sources have continued to referr to Dost as a top ISIS commander in eastern Nangarhar province.“Life after Guantanamo: A tale of two Afghan friends,” Express Tribune (Karachi), February 27, 2017, https://tribune.com.pk/story/1340361/life-guantanamo-tale-two-afghan-friends/.

Abdirizak Warsame (a.k.a. Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame) is an American citizen who is believed to have led a group of 10 Somali-American men from Minnesota who conspired to join ISIS in Syria.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/. Warsame was arrested on December 9, 2015.“Minnesota man accused of conspiring to help Islamic State,” NY Daily News, December 10, 2015, http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/minnesota-man-accused-conspiring-islamic-state-article-1.2460965. He pled guilty to terrorism charges on February 11, 2016, telling the judge that he was radicalized by watching videos of al-Qaeda propagandist Anwar al-Awlaki.Mukhtar Ibrahim, ‘Terror suspect: Videos, not Minn. mosques, inspired me to seek out ISIS,” MPR News, February 11, 2016, http://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/02/11/isis-suspect-radicalized-by-videos-not-mosques. After cooperating with authorities, Warsame was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison on November 14, 2016.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. In April 2018, he was released from federal prison and sent into the custody of a residential re-entry center.Stephen Montemayor, “Minneapolis man sentenced in ISIS case gets extra time at halfway house for gambling on soccer matches,” Star Tribune, August 8, 2018, http://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-man-sentenced-in-isis-case-gets-extra-time-at-halfway-house-for-gambling-on-soccer-matches/490268781/. He was then released to his family in the summer of 2019 and is under probation.Hannah Allam, “‘They Wish Me Dead.’ Convict In ISIS Case Faces Backlash For Helping Feds,” NPR, November 20, 2019, https://www.npr.org/2019/11/20/781111733/they-wish-me-dead-convict-in-isis-case-faces-backlash-for-helping-feds.

Apart from Warsame, the group of alleged co-conspirators includes Abdullahi Yusuf, Guled Ali Omar, Adnan Abdihamid Farah, Zacharia Abdurahman, Abdiwali Nur, Mohamed Abdihamid Farah, Abdirahman Yasin Daud, Hamza Ahmed, and Hanad Mustafe Musse.“United States of America v. Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame,” U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, December 9, 2015, 4 – 6, http://kstp.com/kstpImages/repository/cs/files/WarsameComplaint.pdf; Laura Yuen, Mukhtar Ibrahim, and Sasha Aslanian, “Called to fight: Minnesota’s ISIS recruits,” Minnesota Public Radio News, March 25, 2015, http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/03/25/minnesota-isis. Three of the men pled guilty to terrorism-related charges.Terror Suspect Arrested, Accused Of Helping Others Join ISIS,” CBS Minnesota, December 9, 2015, http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2015/12/09/10th-terror-suspect-arrested-accused-of-helping-others-join-isis/. The only member believed to have successfully reached Syria was Abdiwali Nur, who traveled through Istanbul 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. 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.

When Abdullahi Yusuf learned that Nur had flown to Turkey in spring 2014 with the intention of fighting alongside ISIS in Syria,“United States of America v. Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame,” U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, December 9, 2015, 4, http://kstp.com/kstpImages/repository/cs/files/WarsameComplaint.pdf, it prompted Yusuf to meet with Warsame and Omar to discuss making similar plans.“United States of America v. Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame,” U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, December 9, 2015, 4, http://kstp.com/kstpImages/repository/cs/files/WarsameComplaint.pdf. Afterward, the three men played basketball, then later watched jihadist propaganda videos with the other six individuals. Following their initial meeting, the group met regularly to discuss traveling to Syria to join and fight with ISIS.Dan Browning and Mary Lynn Smith, “Judge orders Twin Cities man suspected of ISIL support held,” Star Tribune (Minneapolis), December 10, 2015, http://www.startribune.com/feds-charge-another-somali-youth-with-supporting-isil-terrorists/361354001/.

Warsame encouraged those of his friends with passports and money to travel to Syria by the end of the summer of 2014.“Minnesota man accused of conspiring to help Islamic State,” NY Daily News, December 10, 2015, http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/minnesota-man-accused-conspiring-islamic-state-article-1.2460965. He helped to pay for expedited passport applications, prepared travel itineraries, and shopped for items needed for their trips.“Minnesota man accused of conspiring to help Islamic State,” NY Daily News, December 10, 2015, http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/minnesota-man-accused-conspiring-islamic-state-article-1.2460965; “10th Terror Suspect Arrested, Accused Of Helping Others Join ISIS,” CBS Minnesota, December 9, 2015, http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2015/12/09/10th-terror-suspect-arrested-accused-of-helping-others-join-isis/; “United States of America v. Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame,” U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, December 9, 2015, 6, http://kstp.com/kstpImages/repository/cs/files/WarsameComplaint.pdf. Warsame himself attempted to apply for an expedited passport in the spring of 2014, however, his application was denied. He eventually obtained a passport in August of 2014, although he apparently never made any effort to travel.“United States of America v. Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame,” U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, December 9, 2015, 7, http://kstp.com/kstpImages/repository/cs/files/WarsameComplaint.pdf.

Several members of Warsame’s group attempted to leave the United States. Some tried to fly out of Minneapolis and others took buses across the country in an attempt to leave from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York. Law enforcement officials were able to thwart their attempts and prevent them from boarding their flights.“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; “10^th Terror Suspect Arrested, Accused Of Helping Others Join ISIS,” CBS Minnesota, December 9, 2015, http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2015/12/09/10th-terror-suspect-arrested-accused-of-helping-others-join-isis/.

In the spring of 2015, the group revived the idea of traveling to Syria. Warsame suggested that they leave through Mexico instead of the United States. “10^th Terror Suspect Arrested, Accused Of Helping Others Join ISIS,” CBS Minnesota, December 9, 2015, http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2015/12/09/10th-terror-suspect-arrested-accused-of-helping-others-join-isis/; “United States of America v. Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame,” U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, December 9, 2015, 11, http://kstp.com/kstpImages/repository/cs/files/WarsameComplaint.pdf; Dan Browning and Mary Lynn Smith, “Judge orders Twin Cities man suspected of ISIL support held,” December 10, 2015, Star Tribune (Minneapolis), http://www.startribune.com/feds-charge-another-somali-youth-with-supporting-isil-terrorists/361354001/.

Warsame was arrested in December of 2015 and charged with one count of conspiring to provide material support to a terrorist organization.“United States of America v. Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame,” U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, December 9, 2015, 15, http://kstp.com/kstpImages/repository/cs/files/WarsameComplaint.pdf. Although he reportedly made no attempt to leave the country to take part in jihad, Warsame encouraged and aided the other members of the group to do so.Minnesota man accused of conspiring to help Islamic State,” December 10, 2015, NY Daily News, http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/minnesota-man-accused-conspiring-islamic-state-article-1.2460965; “United States of America v. Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame,” U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, December 9, 2015, 15, http://kstp.com/kstpImages/repository/cs/files/WarsameComplaint.pdf.>

Warsame pled guilty in February of 2016.Dina Temple-Raston, “Jihad Rehab Program To Get Second Participant,” NPR, February 11, 2016, http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/02/11/466466779/jihad-rehab-program-gets-second-participant?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=storiesfromfreshairnewsandworld. In March, Minnesotan U.S. District Judge Michael Davis ordered that Warsame—alongside Abdurahman, Musse, and Yusuf—be evaluated for a de-radicalization program.Stephen Montemayor and Mila Koumpilova, “Terror suspects will test deradicalization program,” Star Tribune, March 2, 2016, http://www.startribune.com/judge-orders-de-radicalization-study-for-4-terror-defendants/370806141/. German terrorism expert Daniel Koehler determined that Musse was at a high risk for reoffending.Esme Murphy, “German Expert: U.S. Way Behind In Terrorism De-Radicalization,” CBS Minnesota, September 21, 2016, http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2016/09/21/deradicalization-expert/.

On November 14, 2016, Warsame—after serving 11 months in jail and cooperating with authorities—was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison with 20 years of supervised release. Judge Michael Davis told Warsame that he was “not convinced [he was] still not a jihadist.”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. Warsame had appeared on 60 minutes in October of 2016 to denounce ISIS and share his story. Davis reportedly told the court that Warsame’s appearance on television was just “another chess move.”“In God’s Name,” 60 Minutes, October 30, 2016, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/60-minutes-american-teen-isis-cell-leader-scott-pelley/; 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.

In April 2018, Warsame was released from an Illinois federal prison and sent to a residential re-entry center.Stephen Montemayor, “Minneapolis man sentenced in ISIS case gets extra time at halfway house for gambling on soccer matches,” Star Tribune, August 8, 2018, http://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-man-sentenced-in-isis-case-gets-extra-time-at-halfway-house-for-gambling-on-soccer-matches/490268781/. He was ordered to undergo a substance abuse assessment following a report from his probation officer that Warsame used synthetic marijuana and other narcotics while in prison.Stephen Montemayor, “Minneapolis man sentenced in ISIS case gets extra time at halfway house for gambling on soccer matches,” Star Tribune, August 8, 2018, http://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-man-sentenced-in-isis-case-gets-extra-time-at-halfway-house-for-gambling-on-soccer-matches/490268781/. During his stay at the center, Warsame admitted he gambled on soccer games and collected winnings. On August 7, 2018, a U.S. District Court Judge added 15 days to his term at the center, as requested by his probation officer.Frank Rajkowski, “Man Sentenced in ISIS Conspiracy Admits to Gambling at Halfway House,” KSTP-TV (Minnesota), August 7, 2019, https://kstp.com/news/man-sentenced-in-isis-conspiracy-admits-to-gambling-at-halfway-house-abdirizak-mohamed-warsame/5020706/. Warsame was then released to his family in the summer of 2019.Hannah Allam, “‘They Wish Me Dead.’ Convict In ISIS Case Faces Backlash For Helping Feds,” NPR, November 20, 2019, https://www.npr.org/2019/11/20/781111733/they-wish-me-dead-convict-in-isis-case-faces-backlash-for-helping-feds. According to an interview with his mother, Warsame and his family have been ostracized by the Somali community in Minneapolis due to his cooperation with federal authorities.Hannah Allam, “‘They Wish Me Dead.’ Convict In ISIS Case Faces Backlash For Helping Feds,” NPR, November 20, 2019, https://www.npr.org/2019/11/20/781111733/they-wish-me-dead-convict-in-isis-case-faces-backlash-for-helping-feds.

Abdullah Ramo Pazara is a naturalized U.S. citizen of Bosnian origin believed to be currently fighting for ISIS in Syria.Jack Date, Mike Levine, Pierre Thomas, “US Charges 6 Suspects With Aiding Terrorists,” ABC News, February 6, 2015, http://abcnews.go.com/US/suspects-charged-us-aiding-terrorists/story?id=28789888. Pazara left the United States in May 2013 and traveled to Zagreb, Bosnia and Herzegovina before entering Syria to join ISIS.Pete Wiliams, “Feds Charge 6 With Terrorism-Related Crimes Involving Links to ISIS,” NBC News, February 7, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/feds-charge-6-terrorism-related-crimes-involving-links-isis-n301961. In 2014, Pazara facilitated money transfers between individuals in the U.S. and jihadist organizations in Middle East via Western Union and Paypal.Samantha Masunaga, “6 Bosnian immigrants indicted in alleged overseas terror financing ring,” Los Angeles Times, February 8, 2015, http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-terror-arrest-20150208-story.html. NBC News quoted unnamed “authorities” in stating that Pazara may have been killed in 2014.Pete Wiliams, “Feds Charge 6 With Terrorism-Related Crimes Involving Links to ISIS,” NBC News, February 7, 2015, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/feds-charge-6-terrorism-related-crimes-involving-links-isis-n301961.

Pazara’s activities are well-documented in the indictment of six other Bosnian-Americans who were charged with providing material support to terrorists and one count of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists.Samantha Masunaga, “6 Bosnian immigrants indicted in alleged overseas terror financing ring,” Los Angeles Times, February 8, 2015, http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-terror-arrest-20150208-story.html. The support provided by the six consisted of sending money to foreign fighters such as Pazara in amounts ranging from $150 to $1,850. The six individuals are: Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, Sedina Unkic Hodzic, Medy Salkicevic, Jasminka Ramic, Armin Harcevic, and Nihad Rosic.Samantha Masunaga, “6 Bosnian immigrants indicted in alleged overseas terror financing ring,” Los Angeles Times, February 8, 2015, http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-terror-arrest-20150208-story.html. The group communicated via social media, including Facebook.Jason Keyser, “6 Bosnian Immigrants Indicted For Using Facebook, PayPal To Facilitate Extremists In Syria,” Huffington Post, February 7, 2015, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/07/bosnian-six-indictment_n_6637674.html.

Ramiz Hodzic also sent Pazara “U.S. military uniforms, tactical clothes and gear, combat boots, military surplus supplies and other items from businesses in St. Louis” in August 2013 via the U.S. Postal Service. The three boxes of items were first sent to Istanbul, Turkey, and later distributed to foreign fighters including Pazara in Iraq and Syria.Samantha Masunaga, “6 Bosnian immigrants indicted in alleged overseas terror financing ring,” Los Angeles Times, February 8, 2015, http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-terror-arrest-20150208-story.html.

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.