Two US Men Face Terror Charges as UN Votes to Sanction ISIS, Authorities Say
Two men were arrested in the U.S. for trying to aid ISIS.
— -- A 19-year-old Pennsylvania man who allegedly ran 57 pro-ISIS Twitter accounts was arrested on terror charges Thursday and a 22-year-old California man was indicted for looking to join a terror group, the same day the United Nations announced it would sanction ISIS revenue, authorities said.
The developments came as a Syrian national was picked up in Germany for having suspected ties to ISIS, German police said.
In Pennsylvania, 19-year-old Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz was arrested Thursday on charges of conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, according to the Department of Justice.
Aziz, of Harrisburg, allegedly ran at least 57 pro-ISIS Twitter accounts and threatened among other things to behead President Obama and arrange travel to Syria for ISIS converts, authorities said.
According to a criminal complaint, Aziz, propagated "hateful rhetoric" on social media and may have been "preparing to conduct or assist others in conducting an attack in the U.S."
On three different occasions, Aziz allegedly used Twitter to assist people seeking to travel to fight for ISIS, acting on one occasion as an intermediary between someone in Turkey and several well-known members of ISIS.
Aziz allegedly also posted a link containing the names, addresses and other identifying information of 100 reported members of the U.S. military and calls for violence against them.
When authorities searched Aziz's home, they found a tactical-style backpack filled with high-capacity weapons magazines, ammunition, a knife, medication and a balaclava, a garment that covers the wearer's neck and face, the justice department said.
“The charges in this case focus on Aziz’s efforts to assist persons seeking to travel to and fight for the Islamic State,” said U.S. Attorney Peter J. Smith. “These charges are a testament to the perseverance and dedication of those who stand watch over our nation and a clear message that those who support terrorism – will face justice.”
Separately, Adam Shafi of Fremont, California was indicted for attempting travel overseas to join terrorist group al-Nusrah Front, federal authorities said Thursday.
The 22-year-old was stopped at San Francisco International Airport on June 30 as he was about to board a non-stop flight to Istanbul, Turkey. An affidavit filed by the FBI alleges a number of phone conversations Shafi had with friends leading up to the trip, including his willingness to "die with"
Turkey is a common point of entry into Syria for foreign fighters wishing to join terrorist organizations, the affidavit states. Shafi was arrested a few days later on July 3.
The affidavit also stated that Shafi expressed his love for “Jaulani,” the amir, or commander, of ANF and his hope that “Allah doesn’t take [his] soul until [he has] at least, like, a couple gallons of blood that [he’s] spilled for him.”
The indictment alleges that Shafi knew ANF designated foreign terrorist organization when he tried to provide material support or resources to it.
Shafi was arraigned today. He was in custody in San Francisco just before noon, but had been moved for bail, the release said.
If Shafi is convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, the release said.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the United Nations voted unanimously to sanction revenue ISIS earns from oil, antiquities sales & ransom payments.