California man arrested for planning ISIS attacks and sending weapons
- Ammaad Akhtar was arrested for attempting to support ISIS through financial and material contributions.
- He communicated with an undercover officer, expressing a desire to join the group and to carry out violent attacks.
- The case highlights the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the significant responses from law enforcement agencies.
In a significant counter-terrorism operation, law enforcement authorities apprehended Ammaad Akhtar, a 33-year-old man from Stockton, California, after a months-long investigation into his suspected activities supporting the terrorist organization ISIS. The U.S. Department of Justice reported that during this time, Akhtar indicated his support for ISIS through online communications with an undercover officer posing as a member of the group. Starting from February, Akhtar expressed a desire to join ISIS overseas, which was further intensified by his offers of weapons and funds to assist the group. By April, Akhtar had allegedly transferred money multiple times, believing it would be used by ISIS for purchasing firearms. After being informed that the group acquired several weapons using the funds he sent, Akhtar publicly proclaimed, “may Allah destroy our enemies,” and assured that he would send additional support the same day. Furthermore, Akhtar displayed a troubling fixation on committing violent acts, discussing specific targets and expressing intent to execute a bombing at a public venue. On the day of his arrest, Akhtar met with an undercover agent and provided clothing, binoculars, and multiple loaded firearms along with a substantial cash payment of $400. During this meeting, he reportedly pledged his loyalty to ISIS by swearing bayat, which signifies an allegiance to the group and its objectives. The serious nature of Akhtar’s intentions attracted significant attention from law enforcement agencies, and the case has been investigated by the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office with assistance from both the FBI’s New York Field Office and the New York City Police Department. If convicted, Akhtar faces steep penalties, including a maximum of 20 years in prison and a potential fine that could reach up to $250,000. The forthcoming legal proceedings will be guided by federal sentencing guidelines, as the impact of such attempts to support terrorism are taken very seriously within the judicial system. This case epitomizes the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in countering domestic terrorism and reducing threats posed by radicalization within the United States.