Michigan man convicted of supporting ISIS and building explosives

In 2023, Aws Mohammed Naser, a 37-year-old man from Westland, Michigan, was found guilty of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and of illegally possessing a destructive device. His trial, which lasted five weeks, culminated in a jury verdict that unanimously concluded he was aware of the terrorist organization's classified status and deliberately sought to aid its operations. He had previously formed a relationship with Russell Dennison, a U.S. citizen who traveled to Syria to join ISIS. In 2012, Naser traveled to Iraq with Dennison, marking the beginning of his radicalization journey. Upon returning to the United States, Naser attempted to reach Syria on two occasions, both of which failed. His persistence led him to commit armed robbery in January 2013 to finance further attempts to travel overseas, after which he was convicted and served a three-year sentence in prison. After his release, Naser focused on supporting ISIS from within the U.S., creating anonymous social media accounts, joining extremist forums, and sharing propaganda. The FBI began investigating him, leading to a search of his residence in October 2017, which uncovered a readily assembleable bomb. The case against Naser highlighted the domestic threat posed by individuals attempting to support terrorist organizations while remaining physically present within the United States. Prosecutors framed Naser as a skilled bombmaker who turned to assembling explosives after being denied the opportunity to fight abroad. U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. emphasized the danger Naser presented as he had shifted his focus from overseas combat to posing a threat to American lives. Naser now faces significant prison time for his convictions, potentially totaling up to 35 years. A federal judge will review his case to determine the final sentencing, taking into account the severity of the crime and its implications for national security. This conviction represents a broader struggle against domestic terrorism and the radicalization of individuals within U.S. borders, reflecting ongoing challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and responding to threats from extremist ideologies. The investigation was undertaken by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, showcasing the collaborative effort to mitigate such dangers. Authorities continue to grapple with the complexities of tracking and apprehending individuals whose activities may align with terrorism without immediate violence. In light of ongoing threats from groups like ISIS, the case underscores the importance of vigilance in the face of evolving methods of recruitment and support for terrorism.