Timothy McVeigh was the perpetrator of the deadliest homegrown terror attack in U.S. history––the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The attack, which took place on April 19, 1995, left 168 people dead and more than 500 others injured.“Oklahoma City Bombing,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, accessed September 26, 2017, https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/oklahoma-city-bombing;
“Oklahoma City Bombing Fast Facts,” CNN, March 29, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/18/us/oklahoma-city-bombing-fast-facts/index.html. McVeigh, who was associated with the militant right-wing Patriot Movement, was convicted on eleven counts of murder, conspiracy, and using a weapon of mass destruction. McVeigh became the first person to be executed for a federal crime in the United States since 1963. He was put to death by lethal injection on June 11, 2001.“Oklahoma City Bombing Fast Facts,” CNN, March 29, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/18/us/oklahoma-city-bombing-fast-facts/index.html.

McVeigh was born and raised in Pendleton, New York, in a rural community near Buffalo. His mother left home when he was ten years old, and he was subsequently raised by his father. He graduated from high school and briefly attended a two-year business college before dropping out and working a series of odd jobs. McVeigh became obsessed with guns and adopted a so-called “survivalist” mindset, stockpiling weapons and food in preparation for an imminent attack or societal catastrophe.“Profile: Timothy McVeigh,” BBC News, May 11, 2001, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1321244.stm; “Timothy McVeigh,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/profile.mcveigh/index.html. At one point, he even bought 10 acres of woodland that he intended to transform into a survivalist bunker.“Key Players: The Accused,” Fox News, June 11, 2001, https://web.archive.org/web/20080414002057/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,26782,00.html. He immersed himself in right-wing militia literature and was especially interested in The Turner Diaries, a racist, anti-Semitic novel by white nationalist William Luther Pierce about a government overthrow and the extermination of non-white races.“Key Players: The Accused,” Fox News, June 11, 2001, https://web.archive.org/web/20080414002057/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,26782,00.html;
“Timothy McVeigh,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/profile.mcveigh/index.html. The Turner Diaries has inspired multiple acts of terrorism and violence, including McVeigh’s bombing. The book describes a truck bomb blowing up the FBI headquarters, which prosecutors called a “blue print” for the Oklahoma City bombing.Christopher Reed, “William Pierce – The ‘theoretician’ of America’s extreme right and author of the book that was claimed to have inspired the Oklahoma City bombing,” Guardian (London), July 25, 2002, https://www.theguardian.com/news/2002/jul/25/guardianobituaries.booksobituaries1; Jo Thomas, “Behind a Book That Inspired McVeigh,” New York Times, June 9, 2001, https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/09/us/behind-a-book-that-inspired-mcveigh.html. McVeigh also reportedly sold The Turner Diaries at gun shows.Katheen Belew, Bring the War Home (Cambridge: Harvard University Press 2018), 110. Police found pages of The Turner Diaries in McVeigh’s car after the bombing.Jo Thomas, “Behind a Book That Inspired McVeigh,” New York Times, June 9, 2001, https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/09/us/behind-a-book-that-inspired-mcveigh.html.

McVeigh joined the U.S. Army in May of 1988, reportedly out of a desire to improve his survival and gun-handling skills.“Profile: Timothy McVeigh,” BBC News, May 11, 2001, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1321244.stm;
“Timothy McVeigh,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/profile.mcveigh/index.html. He undertook his basic training in Georgia, where he first met Terry Nichols, who would later become an accomplice in the Oklahoma City attack.“Terry Nichols Fast Facts,” CNN, March 23, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/us/terry-nichols-fast-facts/index.html. After completing basic training, he was stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas, as part of the Army’s 1^st Infantry Division, and was later promoted to platoon leader. In 1991, he was deployed in combat in the Gulf War, and received various medals for his service, including a Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge.“Timothy McVeigh,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/profile.mcveigh/index.html;
Dale Russakoff and Serge F. Kovalevski, “An Ordinary Boy’s Extraordinary Rage,” Washington Post, July 2, 1995, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/bg/mcveigh.htm. Upon his return, he tried to join the Special Forces, but was unable to keep up with the physical demands of training and dropped out. Reportedly disappointed, he left the Army during the fall of 1991.“Timothy McVeigh,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/profile.mcveigh/index.html.

After leaving the Army, McVeigh spent a year living back at home with his father before leaving to travel and follow gun shows around the country in 1993.“Timothy McVeigh,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/profile.mcveigh/index.html;
Dale Russakoff and Serge F. Kovalevski, “An Ordinary Boy’s Extraordinary Rage,” Washington Post, July 2, 1995, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/bg/mcveigh.htm. Two events––the siege at Ruby Ridge, Idaho, in August 1992 and the siege at Waco, Texas, in 1993––reportedly exacerbated McVeigh’s anti-government sentiments, and he is believed to have traveled to Waco to witness part of the siege for himself.“Profile: Timothy McVeigh,” BBC News, May 11, 2001, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1321244.stm;
“Timothy McVeigh,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/profile.mcveigh/index.html. After these events, he expressed in letters to his sister that “war had been declared” by the government and that he viewed himself as “a soldier defending his country from oppressors,” according to the Washington Post.Dale Russakoff and Serge F. Kovalevski, “An Ordinary Boy’s Extraordinary Rage,” Washington Post, July 2, 1995, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/bg/mcveigh.htm. Between 1992 and 1995, McVeigh reportedly stayed for periods of time with Nichols at his home in Michigan and with Michael Fortier, another Army acquaintance who would later be indicted for his awareness of the bombing plot, at his ranch in Arizona.“Timothy McVeigh,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/profile.mcveigh/index.html;
Dale Russakoff and Serge F. Kovalevski, “An Ordinary Boy’s Extraordinary Rage,” Washington Post, July 2, 1995, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/bg/mcveigh.htm. In 1994, McVeigh started a business with Nichols selling guns and other military gear.“Terry Nichols Fast Facts,” CNN, March 23, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/us/terry-nichols-fast-facts/index.html. Similarly to McVeigh, both Nichols and Fortier shared an affinity for guns and viewed the government as a threat.“From decorated veteran to mass murderer,” CNN, 2001, http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/people/shows/mcveigh/profile.html.

In response to what McVeigh viewed to be “multiple and more aggressive raids across the country” on the part of the government, he began to consider taking violent action. He later stated that he first considered a “campaign of individual assassination” against government figures that had been involved in the events of Ruby Ridge and Waco.Susan Saluny, “McVeigh Says He Considered Killing Reno,” New York Times, April 27, 2001, http://www.nytimes.com/2001/04/27/us/mcveigh-says-he-considered-killing-reno.html. Ultimately, however, McVeigh began planning an attack on a government facility. According to CNN, he later claimed that he chose the Murrah Building because the target would provide excellent camera angles for media coverage.“From decorated veteran to mass murderer,” CNN, 2001, http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/people/shows/mcveigh/profile.html. Other accounts, however, reported that McVeigh had originally intended to bomb the courthouse next door from its underground garage but that he had changed his plan at the last minute due to logistical reasons.Andrew Gumbel, “Oklahoma City bombing: 20 years later, key questions remain unanswered,” Guardian (London), April 13, 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/13/oklahoma-city-bombing-20-years-later-key-questions-remain-unanswered. McVeigh selected April 19 as the date of the attack because it was the anniversary of the Waco assault and of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which he viewed as symbolic of revolution.Dale Russakoff and Serge F. Kovalevski, “An Ordinary Boy’s Extraordinary Rage,” Washington Post, July 2, 1995, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/bg/mcveigh.htm.

Nichols assisted McVeigh in the construction of the bomb. The two worked out of Kansas during the fall of 1994, renting a storage locker.“McVeigh Chronology,” PBS, accessed September 26, 2017, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/documents/mcveigh/mcveigh2.html. They reportedly robbed an arms dealer at gunpoint for funds, purchased the bomb’s key ingredients––fertilizer and ammonium nitrate, and stole other explosives and materials to construct the 5,000-pound bomb.“McVeigh Chronology,” PBS, accessed September 26, 2017, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/documents/mcveigh/mcveigh2.html;
“McVeigh eats final formal meal before execution,” CNN, June 11, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/LAW/06/10/mcveigh/; “Terry Nichols Fast Facts,” CNN, March 23, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/25/us/terry-nichols-fast-facts/index.html;
Andrew Gumbel, “Oklahoma City bombing: 20 years later, key questions remain unanswered,” Guardian (London), April 13, 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/13/oklahoma-city-bombing-20-years-later-key-questions-remain-unanswered. McVeigh rented a Ryder truck on April 17, 1995, that he would later use to transport and conceal the bomb. On April 18, the day before the attack, McVeigh and Nichols assembled the bomb in the back of the Ryder truck at Geary Lake Start Park in Kansas.“Oklahoma City Bombing Timeline, 1994-2005,” Fox News, April 13, 2005, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2005/04/13/oklahoma-city-bombingtimeline-14-2005.html. Authorities were never able to discover where the two learned how to build such a powerful bomb, as they had only received basic explosives training in the Army.Andrew Gumbel, “Oklahoma City bombing: 20 years later, key questions remain unanswered,” Guardian (London), April 13, 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/13/oklahoma-city-bombing-20-years-later-key-questions-remain-unanswered.

On the morning of April 19, 1995, McVeigh drove the Ryder truck containing the bomb to the front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. McVeigh parked the truck, ignited the fuse, and departed in a second vehicle. The bomb exploded at 9:02 a.m., blasting apart a third of the building and damaging more than 300 neighboring buildings. The explosion, which was the deadliest homegrown terror attack in U.S. history, killed 168 people, including 19 children, and injured more than 500 others.“Oklahoma City Bombing,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, accessed September 26, 2017, https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/oklahoma-city-bombing;
“Oklahoma City Bombing Fast Facts,” CNN, March 29, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/18/us/oklahoma-city-bombing-fast-facts/index.html. Although the FBI ultimately concluded that McVeigh acted alone in carrying out the bombing, more than 20 witnesses contended that they saw other people with McVeigh on the morning of April 19.“FBI: McVeigh knew children would be killed in OKC blast,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/mcveigh.book.01/index.html;
Andrew Gumbel, “Oklahoma City bombing: 20 years later, key questions remain unanswered,” Guardian (London), April 13, 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/13/oklahoma-city-bombing-20-years-later-key-questions-remain-unanswered.

Approximately an hour and a half after the explosion, McVeigh was pulled over by a sheriff on an Oklahoma highway because the car that he was driving did not have a license plate. At the time, he was not yet identified as a suspect in the bombing, but he was arrested by the sheriff for unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon. Authorities were ultimately able to track down McVeigh by the identification number on one of the axles of the Ryder truck found at the site of the explosion.Hailey Branson-Potts, “After Oklahoma City bombing, McVeigh’s arrest almost went unnoticed,” Los Angeles Times, April 19, 2015, http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-oklahoma-city-bombing-20150419-story.html. When he was identified as a suspect, authorities discovered that he was already in a county jail in Perry, Oklahoma.Hailey Branson-Potts, “After Oklahoma City bombing, McVeigh’s arrest almost went unnoticed,” Los Angeles Times, April 19, 2015, http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-oklahoma-city-bombing-20150419-story.html. On April 21, authorities arrested him in connection with the bombing.“Oklahoma City Bombing Timeline, 1994-2005,” Fox News, April 13, 2005, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2005/04/13/oklahoma-city-bombingtimeline-14-2005.html.

McVeigh was indicted on charges of murder and conspiracy on August 10, 1995. In 1996, the case was moved to Colorado, and McVeigh transferred to a prison there.“Oklahoma City Bombing Timeline, 1994-2005,” Fox News, April 13, 2005, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2005/04/13/oklahoma-city-bombingtimeline-14-2005.html. McVeigh’s trial began on April 24, 1997, in Denver, Colorado. On June 2, he was convicted on eleven counts of murder, conspiracy, and using a weapon of mass destruction, and sentenced to the death penalty the following week.“Oklahoma City Bombing Fast Facts,” CNN, March 29, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/18/us/oklahoma-city-bombing-fast-facts/index.html;
“Charges against McVeigh,” CNN, June 2, 1997, http://www.cnn.com/US/9706/02/charges/. In December 2000, after losing two appeals, McVeigh stated that he wanted to die. He referred to the execution as “state-assisted suicide” and requested that his lawyers not attempt any more appeals.Simon Jeffrey, “The execution of Timothy McVeigh,” Guardian (London), June 11, 2001, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/jun/11/qanda.terrorism.

McVeigh spoke about his motivations for the bombing. He underwent more than 75 hours of interviews with journalists Lou Michel and Dan Herbeck, who published a biography about him called American Terrorist on April 3, 2001.“From decorated veteran to mass murderer,” CNN, 2001, http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/people/shows/mcveigh/profile.html;
“American Terrorist: Timothy McVeigh and the Oklahoma City bombing,” Amazon, accessed September 27, 2017, https://www.amazon.com/American-Terrorist-Timothy-McVeigh-Oklahoma/dp/0060394. According to the journalists, McVeigh believed that his actions were justified, never expressing any remorse for the bombing.“FBI: McVeigh knew children would be killed in OKC blast,” CNN, March 29, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/29/mcveigh.book.01/index.html. On April 26, 2001, McVeigh sent a letter to Fox News explaining and defending his reasons for the bombing. He stated that the bombing was intended as a strike against hostile government actions, including the Waco siege, and called it “morally and strategically equivalent” to U.S. military actions abroad.“McVeigh’s April 26 Letter to Fox News,” Fox News, April 26, 2001, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2001/04/26/mcveigh-apr-26-letter-to-fox-news.html. In other letters written by him that were published by a Buffalo newspaper, McVeigh called the bombing a “legit tactic” against what he considered to be an oppressive government.“McVeigh eats final formal meal before execution,” CNN, June 11, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/LAW/06/10/mcveigh/.

McVeigh was executed by lethal injection on June 11, 2001.Simon Jeffrey, “The execution of Timothy McVeigh,” Guardian (London), June 11, 2001, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/jun/11/qanda.terrorism. According to CNN, his attorneys reported that before his execution McVeigh remained calm, acted “ready to die,” and continued to believe that “what he did was right.”“McVeigh eats final formal meal before execution,” CNN, June 11, 2001, http://edition.cnn.com/2001/LAW/06/10/mcveigh/.

Violent right-wing extremists have continued to glorify McVeigh in the years since his death. In August 2017, authorities in Oklahoma City arrested Jerry Drake Varnell after he attempted to detonate what he thought was a bomb outside an Oklahoma City bank. The bomb comprised fake explosives provided by the FBI as part of an investigation into Varnell, who reportedly admired McVeigh and sought to emulate him.Devlin Barrett, “Man charged in anti-government bomb plot in Oklahoma City,” Washington Post, August 15, 2017, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/oklahoma-man-charged-in-anti-government-bomb-plot/2017/08/14/97816686-80f9-11e7-ab27-1a21a8e006ab_story.html. Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 in attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in March 2019, posted memes and other images of McVeigh on social media prior to the Christchurch attack.Candace Sutton, “Neighbours, associates of Christchurch mosque gunman Brenton Tarrant say there was something ‘off’ about him,” News.com.au, March 17, 2019, https://www.news.com.au/world/pacific/neighbours-associates-of-brenton-tarrant-say-there-was-something-off-about-him/news-story/e76a6f40a2f21f121546bc469bf7e7b7. Tarrant admitted his guilt in March 2020.Eleanor Ainge Roy and Charlotte Graham-McLay, “Christchurch gunman pleads guilty to New Zealand mosque attacks that killed 51,” Guardian (London), March 25, 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/26/christchurch-shooting-brenton-tarrant-pleads-guilty-to-new-zealand-mosque-attacks-that-killed-51.

Gregory Hubbard is an American citizen who was arrested on July 21, 2016, along with Dayne Atani Christian and Darren Arness Jackson, for conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS. Hubbard expressed praise and support for ISIS and ISIS-related acts of terrorism, and also made arrangements to travel to Syria with a confidential FBI source in order to join ISIS and engage in acts of terrorism. He was arrested at Miami International Airport before his intended departure.“Two Florida Men Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 4, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/two-florida-men-plead-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-isil;
“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf.

Hubbard was born in Albany, Georgia.John Pacenti, “ISIS in Florida: Former FBI agent on why arrests didn’t come sooner,” Palm Beach Post, July 24, 2017, http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/crime--law/isis-florida-former-fbi-agent-why-arrests-didn-come-sooner/Pezdh6eBg1C3B1zVDMKVuI/. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps at age 19, working in aviation supply, but later made his living as an artist and sculptor.Mimi Pirrault, “ISIS in Florida: 2007 Post profile of artist Gregory Hubbard,” Palm Beach Post, July 23, 2016, http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/crime--law/isis-florida-2007-post-profile-artist-gregory-hubbard/PyoJHEAZtb9tLmY2M2eqhM/;
Paula McMahon, “Guilty pleas expected for two Palm Beach County men arrested in terror sting,” Sun Sentinel, March 14, 2017, http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-reg-palm-beach-terror-sting-update-20170314-story.html. Hubbard reportedly became depressed and homeless after falling victim to fraud, although court records reveal that he sought treatment for his mental health issues.Skyler Swisher, “Three Palm Beach County men plead not guilty in alleged conspiracy to help terrorists,” Sun Sentinel, July 27, 2016, http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-palm-isil-arraignment-20160727-story.html;
Paula McMahon, “Guilty pleas expected for two Palm Beach County men arrested in terror sting,” Sun Sentinel, March 14, 2017, http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-reg-palm-beach-terror-sting-update-20170314-story.html.

At some point in 2015, Hubbard was contacted by a confidential FBI informant pretending to be an ISIS follower.Paula McMahon, “Second man pleads guilty in Palm Beach terrorism sting,” Sun Sentinel, April 4, 2017, http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-pn-terrorism-sting-plea-palm-beach-20170403-story.html;
“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 5, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. Hubbard––also known as “Jibreel”––introduced the FBI informant to Christian on August 15, 2015, and to Jackson on May 11, 2016.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 4-5, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. The FBI informant would record more than 200 hours of conversation among Christian, Jackson, and Hubbard over the course of the subsequent year.Jane Musgrave, “Second PBC man pleads guilty in plot to help ISIS,” Palm Beach Post, April 4, 2017, http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/crime--law/second-pbc-man-pleads-guilty-plot-help-isis/8o3UPtnn7sX8YgYv0trNCP/. The men reportedly used code words to communicate, including the phrase “soccer team” in reference to ISIS, and “playing soccer” in reference to violent activity.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 5, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf.

Hubbard was known to engage with and propagate extremist propaganda on multiple occasions, including ISIS videos and lectures by the American al-Qaeda cleric Anwar al-Awlaki. In April of 2015, Hubbard emailed the FBI informant a 100-page manual in e-book form published by ISIS for its supporters. Hubbard told the informant that he previously wrote two articles that he sent to ISIS for publication, and was currently working on a third.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 6, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. He sent the manual to the informant again on November 2, also mentioning some ISIS-related videos that he had watched.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 7, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. In June 2016, Hubbard discussed violent ISIS videos with Christian and the FBI source, expressing “favorable views” of at least one of the videos, according to the criminal complaint filed against him.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 13, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. On other occasions that same month, Hubbard played an Awlaki lecture on his phone for the FBI informant and sent a group text message containing a link to an Awlaki video that encouraged violent jihad.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 15, 18, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf.

Hubbard also explicitly expressed support and praise for ISIS and ISIS-related acts of terrorism, as detailed by the criminal complaint filed against him. On one occasion, he stated that there were only two types of people, those with ISIS and those against ISIS, and deemed ISIS to be “exciting.”“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 6, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. He also stated that “jihad is the skin of Islam” and that the only way to deal with one’s enemy was to “cut off his head.”“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 7, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. Hubbard publicly praised the December 2, 2015 mass shooting in San Bernardino and claimed that the attack and other instances of violent jihad were justified by the U.S.-led airstrikes in Syria.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 7-8, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. He also praised the 2009 mass shooting in Fort Hood, Texas, stating that the shooter did the right thing.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 8, 10, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. On another occasion, Hubbard told Christian that if he left town, would leave behind ammunition for one of Christian’s “own mission[s],” according to the criminal complaint filed against him.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 17, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. Hubbard stated that he “wanted to bring America to its knees” and hoped that ISIS would attack the Pentagon or the White House.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 10, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. In July 2016, Hubbard praised both the terrorist attack in Nice, France, and the shooting of police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the day after each respective attack occurred.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 19, 20, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf.

Hubbard intended to travel to Syria to join ISIS and wage violent jihad there, making definite arrangements for his travel. He applied for a renewed passport in August of 2015 and received it on December 9.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 6, 8, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. Upon receiving it, Hubbard became “excited” and stated that it was time to travel to Syria, according to the criminal complaint filed against him.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 8, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. On March 3, 2016, Hubbard indicated to the FBI informant that he wanted to leave soon, and discussed logistics concerning flights, storage of personal belongings, and finances.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 11-12, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. Later that month, he stated that he intended to depart that summer and not return to the United States.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 12, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. On May 17, Hubbard solicited the FBI informant’s opinion on travel routes to Syria.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 12, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. Later that month, in preparation for his departure, Hubbard packed his personal belongings into a rental moving truck and transported them to a storage unit in Albany, Georgia.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 13, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. On June 7, Hubbard booked an airline ticket from Miami, Florida, to Berlin, Germany, and researched train travel from Berlin to Istanbul, Turkey, where he intended to travel before crossing the border to Syria. He also sold his van a few days later.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 15, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. On June 20, Hubbard and the FBI source booked a hotel reservation for Berlin, as Hubbard wanted it to appear that they were legitimate tourists.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 17, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. On July 18, Hubbard discussed finances for the trip with the FBI informant, declaring that he would bring $6,000. On this date, Hubbard also gave the FBI informant several boxes of his artwork to store at the informant’s place of residence, stating that he did not plan to return from Syria.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 20-21, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf.

Also in preparation for his travel to Syria, Hubbard attended target practice at local shooting ranges with Jackson, Christian, and the FBI source between May and July of 2016.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. At one practice, Hubbard remarked that he felt persecuted because he was Muslim and assumed that the others at the shooting range were training to kill Muslims.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 5-6, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. On another instance, he brought his own weapons to the practice and provided his companions with instructions on the handling of firearms.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 15-16, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf.

On July 21, 2016, Jackson drove Hubbard and the FBI agent in his car from West Palm Beach to Miami International Airport, so that they could depart on a flight bound for Berlin, Germany, from where they planned to travel to Syria to join ISIS. Hubbard was arrested at the airport after he and the FBI informant obtained their boarding passes and cleared the TSA checkpoint.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 21, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf;
“Two Florida Men Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 4, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/two-florida-men-plead-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-isil.

On July 26, 2016, Hubbard was indicted with charges of conspiring and attempting to provide personnel to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization, as he expressed support for ISIS and made an attempt to travel to Syria to join ISIS himself.“Two Florida Men Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 4, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/two-florida-men-plead-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-isil. Although Christian and Jackson pled guilty to their charges of material support, Hubbard continued to fight his allegations.Paula McMahon, “Second man pleads guilty in Palm Beach terrorism sting,” Sun Sentinel, April 4, 2017, http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-pn-terrorism-sting-plea-palm-beach-20170403-story.html;
“Two Florida Men Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 4, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/two-florida-men-plead-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-isil.

On February 8, 2018, Hubbard pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to ISIS.Jennifer Tinter, “West Palm Beach Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring with ISIS,” WPTV Channel 5, February 9, 2018, https://www.wptv.com/news/region-c-palm-beach-county/west-palm-beach/west-palm-beach-man-pleads-guilty-to-conspiring-with-isis; David J. Neal, “He Wanted to Join Islamic State. He Got as Far as Airport Security,” Miami Herald, February 13, 2018, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article199701919.html. On May 16, 2018, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of post-release supervision. His codefendants were sentenced on the same day: Christian was sentenced to eight years in prison, while Jackson was sentenced to four years in prison.“Three Florida Men Sentenced for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS,” U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Public Affairs, May 16, 2018, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/three-florida-men-sentenced-conspiring-provide-material-support-isis; Chuck Weber, “Men Sentenced in 'Homegrown' Terrorism Case,” CBS 12 News, May 16, 2018, https://cbs12.com/news/local/men-sentenced-in-homegrown-terrorism-case.

Hubbard is currently incarcerated at Schuylkill Federal Correction Institution in Pennsylvania, with a scheduled release date of November 21, 2026.“GREGORY HUBBARD,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 7, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Dayne Atani Christian is an American citizen who was arrested on July 21, 2016, along with Gregory Hubbard and Darren Arness Jackson, for conspiring to provide material support to ISIS. Christian was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Christian provided firearms and training to Hubbard and a confidential FBI source who told him that they intended to travel to Syria to join ISIS. He also expressed praise for ISIS and ISIS-related acts of terrorism, as well as a desire to commit his own violent acts of terrorism and to travel to Syria and join ISIS himself.“Two Florida Men Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 4, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/two-florida-men-plead-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-isil;
“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. In May 2018, he was sentenced to eight years in prison.“Three Florida Men Sentenced for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS,” U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Public Affairs, May 16, 2018, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/three-florida-men-sentenced-conspiring-provide-material-support-isis.

Christian, from Lake Park, Florida, was a former student athlete at Palm Beach Lakes High School.“Two Florida Men Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 4, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/two-florida-men-plead-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-isil;
John Pacenti, “ISIS in Florida: Former FBI agent on why arrests didn’t come sooner,” Palm Beach Post, July 24, 2017, http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/crime--law/isis-florida-former-fbi-agent-why-arrests-didn-come-sooner/Pezdh6eBg1C3B1zVDMKVuI/. Little else is known about his personal life, but he was already a convicted felon before his 2016 charges, having been convicted in May 2010 for making a false statement to a firearms dealer in connection with the acquisition of firearms. Christian was subsequently sentenced to a year in prison.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 5, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. Before his arrest in 2016, he worked as a supervisor at a local company.Paula McMahon, “Guilty pleas expected for two Palm Beach County men arrested in terror sting,” Sun Sentinel, March 14, 2017, http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-reg-palm-beach-terror-sting-update-20170314-story.html. He was also reportedly married, and at one point referred to his wife in conversation.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 14, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf.

In 2015, Hubbard was contacted by a confidential FBI informant pretending to be an ISIS follower.Paula McMahon, “Second man pleads guilty in Palm Beach terrorism sting,” Sun Sentinel, April 4, 2017, http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-pn-terrorism-sting-plea-palm-beach-20170403-story.html;
“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 5, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. The FBI informant would record more than 200 hours of conversation among Christian, Jackson, and Hubbard over the course of the next year.Jane Musgrave, “Second PBC man pleads guilty in plot to help ISIS,” Palm Beach Post, April 4, 2017, http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/crime--law/second-pbc-man-pleads-guilty-plot-help-isis/8o3UPtnn7sX8YgYv0trNCP/. The men reportedly used code words to communicate, including the phrase “soccer team” in reference to ISIS, and “playing soccer” in reference to violent activity.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 5, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. On July 30, 2015, Hubbard informed the FBI informant that Christian––known among the group as “Shakur”––had ISIS-affiliated contacts in Syria. On August 15, Hubbard introduced the FBI source to Christian in person. At that time, Christian stated that he wanted to travel to Syria, join ISIS, and wage violent jihad.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 5, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf.

Christian was known to watch and propagate radical content online, including ISIS videos and lectures by the radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki. He reportedly sought to radicalize another individual by having him watch Awlaki lectures.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 6, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. According to the criminal complaint filed against him, in reply to a text message from Hubbard containing a link to an Awlaki video encouraging violent jihad, Christian stated that “any Muslim of sanity would follow Awlaki’s guidance.”“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 18, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. On other occasions, Christian played recorded lectures on his phone that advocated jihad and a sermon that praised Osama bin Laden.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 8, 16, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. Christian sent a text message on an unspecified social media platform linking to an audio file released on May 21, 2016, by the late ISIS spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, threatening the West and calling on ISIS supporters to target civilians.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 12, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. He also discussed violent ISIS videos with Hubbard and the FBI source, expressing “favorable views” of at least one of the videos, according to the criminal complaint filed against him.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 13, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf.

Christian made comments praising violent terrorist attacks and professed a desire to commit similar attacks of his own. Christian expressed a desire to attack U.S. military personnel, commenting that he wanted to target one man in particular from his gym that wore a U.S. Marines t-shirt and shoot him outside of his home.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 8-9, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. In response to a question from his boss about the December 2015 San Bernardino mass shooting, he reportedly showed his boss a video about how Muslims have a right to defend themselves.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 8, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. Christian also praised the 2009 shooting in Fort Hood, Texas, encouraging Hubbard to “follow suit” with a similar attack and commenting that there were some people he was thinking about “taking out” himself, according to the criminal complaint filed against him.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 10, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. He praised the Orlando nightclub attack and spoke approvingly of the July 2016 Bastille Day attack in Nice, France.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 16, 20, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. On another occasion, Christian quoted a statement from ISIS’s leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi encouraging ISIS supporters to carry out attacks in their home countries.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 15, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. Christian expressed a desire to travel to Syria himself, stating on June 26, 2016, that he was getting his affairs in order so that he could travel to Syria with his family sometime in the future.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 18, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf.

Christian provided firearms and firearms instruction to Hubbard and the FBI informant in awareness of their plans to travel to Syria and fight for ISIS there. During one meeting with them, Christian discussed the types of firearms he owned, acknowledging that he would have to make sure not to get caught during target practice, as he would go to jail for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 9-10, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. He specifically spoke to the FBI source about places from which he could buy guns and ammunition that did not check IDs.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 10-11, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. Christian later gave pistols to the Hubbard and the FBI informant to use at target practice, again acknowledging that he was not supposed to have a gun, and sold a rifle to the FBI undercover in full knowledge that the he intended to travel to Syria to join ISIS and use a similar weapon there.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 13-15, 17-18, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. On July 16, 2016, four days after the FBI undercover detailed to Christian his plans for traveling to Syria with Hubbard, Christian attended target practice with the FBI undercover and Jackson at a South Florida wildlife management area. While there, Christian gave the FBI source “detailed firearms instruction” and referred to the practice as a “training session,” according to the criminal complaint filed against him.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 18-20, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf.

On July 21, 2016, Jackson drove Hubbard and the FBI undercover to the airport to depart for Syria to join ISIS. After Hubbard and Jackson were arrested, Christian was arrested later that day at his place of work.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 21, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. In a statement made after his arrest, Christian admitted that he possessed four firearms in the previous year.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 22, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf.

On July 26, 2016, Christian was indicted with a charge of conspiracy to provide personnel to ISIS, as he had provided firearms and firearms training to the FBI undercover and Hubbard, who intended to travel to Syria, and expressed a desire to join ISIS himself. He was also indicted on four counts related to his firearm possession.“Two Florida Men Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 4, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/two-florida-men-plead-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-isil.

On March 29, 2017, Christian pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization, and to another count for being a felon in possession of a firearm.“Two Florida Men Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 4, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/two-florida-men-plead-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-isil. He was also required to forfeit three firearms, including an assault rifle.Jane Musgrave, “NEW: Lake Park man pleads guilty to trying to help ISIS,” Palm Beach Post, March 29, 2017, http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/crime--law/new-lake-park-man-pleads-guilty-trying-help-isis/ZSNaFgWr2pw0K8wMdXgsRO/.

On May 16, 2018, Christian was sentenced to eight years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision. His codefendants were sentenced on the same day: Hubbard received twelve years in prison and a lifetime of post-release supervision, while Jackson received four years in prison and five years of post-release supervision.“Three Florida Men Sentenced for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS,” U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Public Affairs, May 16, 2018, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/three-florida-men-sentenced-conspiring-provide-material-support-isis.

Christian is currently incarcerated at Miami Federal Correctional Institute in Florida, with a scheduled release date of May 29, 2029.“DAYNE ANTANI CHRISTIAN,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 2, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Darren Arness Jackson is an American citizen who was arrested on July 21, 2016, along with Gregory Hubbard and Dayne Atani Christian, for conspiring to provide material support to ISIS. Jackson provided firearms and firearms training to Hubbard and a confidential FBI source who told him that they intended to travel to Syria to join ISIS. On July 21, 2016, he drove Hubbard and the FBI source to Miami International Airport, in full awareness that they intended to depart from there for Syria to join ISIS. He also expressed praise for ISIS and ISIS-related acts of terrorism, as well as a desire to commit his own violent acts of terrorism and to travel to Syria and join ISIS himself.“Two Florida Men Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 4, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/two-florida-men-plead-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-isil;
“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. Jackson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS,“Two Florida Men Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 4, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/two-florida-men-plead-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-isil. and in May 2018, he was sentenced to four years in prison.“Three Florida Men Sentenced for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS,” U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Public Affairs, May 16, 2018, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/three-florida-men-sentenced-conspiring-provide-material-support-isis. He was released in December 2019.“DARREN ARNESS JACKSON,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 1, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Darren Arness Jackson is from West Palm Beach, Florida.“Two Florida Men Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 4, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/two-florida-men-plead-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-isil. Little is known about his personal life, but he reportedly lived with his wife and three daughters in their late teens and was an unemployed boiler maintenance worker.John Pacenti, “ISIS in Florida: Former FBI agent on why arrests didn’t come sooner,” Palm Beach Post, July 24, 2017, http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/crime--law/isis-florida-former-fbi-agent-why-arrests-didn-come-sooner/Pezdh6eBg1C3B1zVDMKVuI/;
Paula McMahon, “Guilty pleas expected for two Palm Beach County men arrested in terror sting,” Sun Sentinel, March 14, 2017, http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-reg-palm-beach-terror-sting-update-20170314-story.html. In 2015, Hubbard was contacted by a confidential FBI informant pretending to be an ISIS follower.Jane Musgrave, “NEW: Lake Park man pleads guilty to trying to help ISIS,” Palm Beach Post, March 29, 2017, http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/crime--law/new-lake-park-man-pleads-guilty-trying-help-isis/ZSNaFgWr2pw0K8wMdXgsRO/;
Paula McMahon, “Second man pleads guilty in Palm Beach terrorism sting,” Sun Sentinel, April 4, 2017, http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-pn-terrorism-sting-plea-palm-beach-20170403-story.html;
“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 5, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. The FBI informant would record over 200 hours of conversation among Christian, Jackson, and Hubbard over the course of the next year.Jane Musgrave, “Second PBC man pleads guilty in plot to help ISIS,” Palm Beach Post, April 4, 2017, http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/crime--law/second-pbc-man-pleads-guilty-plot-help-isis/8o3UPtnn7sX8YgYv0trNCP/. The men reportedly used code words to communicate, including the phrase “soccer team” in reference to ISIS, and “playing soccer” in reference to violent activity.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 5, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf.

Although the FBI source befriended Hubbard and Christian in the summer of 2015, Hubbard did not introduce the FBI source to Jackson until May 11, 2016.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 4-5, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. According to the criminal complaint filed against him, Jackson had previously intended to travel abroad to join ISIS, but then decided he wanted to learn Arabic before doing so.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 5, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. On May 11, Jackson, Hubbard, and the FBI source went to a local shooting range and used firearms that Jackson had provided. Jackson remarked that he felt persecuted because he was Muslim and assumed that the others at the shooting range were training to kill Muslims.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 5-6, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. On July 9, Jackson again went shooting with Hubbard and the FBI source at a remote South Florida wildlife management area, supplying five of his own firearms.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 18, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf.

On July 14, Jackson agreed to drive Hubbard and the FBI agent to Miami International Airport, in full awareness that they intended to travel overseas to join ISIS in Syria. He also agreed to supply his firearms for another target practice intended to “prepare Hubbard and the [FBI agent] to fight for ISIL [ISIS],” according to the criminal complaint filed against him. At this time, Jackson also remarked that he wished that he could do more to help them and that he could go to Syria himself, and advised them to “lie to the passport people about where they were going.” The following day, Jackson made plans with Hubbard and the FBI agent for their target practice. Although he was not aware that a terrorist attack had occurred in Nice, France, the previous day, he exclaimed “Allah Akhbar” when the FBI agent told him about it.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 19, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf.

Jackson, Christian, the FBI agent, and another unnamed individual held target practice on July 16. Jackson again supplied weapons, as well as gun oil and paper targets. According to the criminal complaint filed against him, he referred to the practice as a “training session,” and gave “detailed firearms instruction” to the FBI source. During the session, the group spoke approvingly of the attack in Nice.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 19-20, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf. Two days later, on July 18, Jackson met with Hubbard and the FBI agent, who discussed the logistics of their travel to Syria. Jackson and Hubbard praised the shooting of police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that had occurred the previous day. The group also discussed the merits of one of Jackson’s rifles.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 20-21, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf.

On July 21, 2016, Jackson drove Hubbard and the FBI agent in his car from West Palm Beach to Miami International Airport, so that they could depart on a flight bound for Berlin, Germany, from where they planned to travel to Syria to join ISIS. After he dropped them off, Jackson was arrested after he drove off of the airport premises.“United States of America v. Gregory Hubbard, Dayne Antani Christian, and Darren Arness Jackson,” George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, July 22, 2016, 21, https://cchs.gwu.edu/sites/cchs.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Hubbard%20Complaint.pdf;
“Two Florida Men Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 4, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/two-florida-men-plead-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-isil.

On July 26, 2016, Jackson was indicted with a charge of conspiracy to provide personnel to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization, as he had provided firearms and firearms training to the FBI undercover and Hubbard, who intended to travel to Syria, and expressed a desire to join ISIS himself.  On April 4, 2017, Jackson pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to ISIS.“Two Florida Men Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIL,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 4, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/two-florida-men-plead-guilty-conspiring-provide-material-support-isil.

On May 16, 2018, Jackson was sentenced to four years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision, after cooperating with the U.S. government. His co-conspirators were sentenced on the same day: Christian was sentenced to eight years in prison and five years post-release supervision, while Hubbard was sentenced to 12 years in prison and a lifetime of post-release supervision.“Three Florida Men Sentenced for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS,” U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Public Affairs, May 16, 2018, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/three-florida-men-sentenced-conspiring-provide-material-support-isis.

Jackson was released from prison on December 17, 2019.“DARREN ARNESS JACKSON,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 1, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Samer El Debek is a naturalized U.S. citizen living in Dearborn, Michigan, who allegedly plotted on behalf of Hezbollah against U.S., Israeli, and Panamanian targets in New York City and Panama. The U.S. Department of Justice did not identify where El Debek emigrated from, but he holds a Lebanese passport in addition to his U.S. passport.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. The FBI arrested El Debek on terrorism-related charges on June 1, 2017.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic.

The FBI alleges that El Debek belonged to Hezbollah’s Islamic Jihad Organization (IJO), responsible for Hezbollah’s intelligence and terrorist activities outside of Lebanon. According to the FBI, El Debek was looking for potential terrorist targets in Panama and New York City on behalf of the IJO.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download.

In July 2006, El Debek purportedly praised Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an e-mail he sent to his private account from his work account. The FBI alleges that the IJO recruited El Debek in late 2007 or early 2008.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 10, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. During interviews prior to his arrest, El Debek told the FBI that he suspected Hezbollah recruited him because of his U.S. passport, though he did not know specifically why he had been recruited.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 10, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. El Debek said that between 2008 and 2015, Hezbollah paid him more than $1,000 per month plus medical expenses.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 18, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download.

In 2008, El Debek traveled to Lebanon to attend Hezbollah training camps.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 10, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. Between 2008 and 2014, El Debek allegedly received religious and militant training that included surveillance and bomb-making techniques and how to use automatic assault rifles, according to the FBI.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 10, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. In May 2009, El Debek traveled to Thailand to remove evidence of a Hezbollah cell from a compromised safe house.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic. El Debek traveled from Lebanon to Malaysia using his Lebanese passport and then to Thailand using his U.S. passport.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 13, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. According to El Debek’s account, he removed 50 boxes of ammonium nitrate from the house. “United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 10, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download.

In 2011, El Debek traveled to Panama to locate the U.S. and Israeli embassies, and identify hardware stores from which to purchase explosive materials such as acetone and battery acid. El Debek also told the FBI that he learned how to drive in Panama and took Spanish lessons.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 14, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. El Debek allegedly returned to Panama in early 2012 to identify weaknesses in the Panama Canal.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic.

Between December 2015 and April 2016, Hezbollah allegedly detained El Debek in Lebanon on suspicion that he was a spy for the United States.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic. El Debek claimed during his FBI interviews that Hezbollah suspected him of being a spy before they sent him on his international missions. El Debek claimed he gave Hezbollah a false confession that he worked for the FBI, CIA, and police. El Debek further claimed that the U.S. government had paid him $500,000.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 18, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download.

The Justice Department did not reveal how El Debek escaped Hezbollah’s custody. Between September 8, 2016, and May 23, 2017, the FBI interviewed El Debek several times over the phone and in person.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 9, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. During his interviews, El Debek identified Mohamed Husseini, the Hezbollah bomber who blew up an Israeli tour bus in Bulgaria in 2012, as a distant relative.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 11, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download. El Debek described his recruitment, training and missions to the FBI. He also told the FBI that unlike ISIS, Hezbollah doesn’t kill indiscriminately. He said that Hezbollah’s violent actions are sometimes meant to send a political message, but that Israelis are always a target.“United States of America v. Samer El Debek,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 10, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972416/download.

The FBI arrested El Debek in Livonia, Michigan, on June 1, 2017. Authorities brought him to New York City, where he was formally charged in federal court on June 5.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic.

El Debek has been charged with:

• providing material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization
• conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization
• receiving military-type training from a designated foreign terrorist organization
• conspiracy to receive military-type training from a designated foreign terrorist organization
• possessing, carrying, and using firearms and destructive devices during and in relation to crimes of violence
• making and receiving a contribution of funds, goods, and services to and from Hezbollah
• conspiracy to make and receive a contribution of funds, goods, and services to and from Hezbollah.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic.

If convicted, El Debek faces up to life in prison.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic. As of May 2020, he is still awaiting trial.“Hezbollah Member Convicted in US for Planning Attacks,” Al Arabiya, May 20, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2019/05/17/Hezbollah-member-convicted-in-US-for-planning-attacks.

Ali Kourani is a naturalized U.S. citizen from Lebanon convicted of plotting on behalf of Hezbollah against U.S. government and military targets in New York City. According to the FBI, Kourani received training in Lebanon from Hezbollah’s Islamic Jihad Organization (IJO), the group’s division responsible for overseas operations. The FBI arrested Kourani in Bronx, New York, on June 1, 2017.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic. He was convicted in May 2019 and subsequently sentenced to 40 years in federal prison. Kourani was the first member of the IJO to be convicted and sentenced for crimes against the United States. “Hizballah Operative Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Covert Terrorist Activities on Behalf of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, December 3, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/hizballah-operative-sentenced-40-years-prison-covert-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s.

In 2000, Kourani allegedly attended a 45-day Hezbollah training camp in Lebanon when he was approximately 16 years old. He allegedly learned to use AK-47 assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. Kourani told the FBI that he was allowed to attend because he was related to a high-ranking Hezbollah official. Kourani also allegedly told the FBI that one of his brothers is “the face” of Hezbollah in the Lebanese village of Yatar, and that his family name is akin to the “Bin Ladens of Lebanon.” He traveled to the United States in 2003 using his Lebanese passport but returned to Lebanon soon after. Kourani fled to Syria during the summer 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel and then returned to the United States.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 10-11, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download.

The IJO purportedly recruited Kourani in early 2008. Kourani told the FBI that he believes the IJO recruited him because of his education and U.S. residency in order to use him as a sleeper agent.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 10-11, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. According to the federal complaint against him, Kourani allegedly met with multiple members of the IJO in Lebanon during his interview process. Kourani was allegedly assigned a handler known alternatively as “Fadi” or “Hajj,” who instructed Kourani to obtain U.S. citizenship.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 12, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. After Kourani returned to the United States, he and Fadi would communicate over e-mail using coded messages, according to the criminal complaint against Kourani.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 15-16, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. The FBI noted that Kourani’s passport showed that he traveled to Lebanon at least once a year between 2008 and 2015.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 10, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. Fadi purportedly worked with Kourani until September 2015.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 12, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download.

Kourani returned to the United States later in January 2008.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 12, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. That August, he applied for U.S. citizenship, which he received the following April.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic. Kourani wrote in his naturalization request that he had never belonged to or had any association with a terrorist organization or ever lied on immigration forms, which the U.S. Department of Justice would later use to charge him with naturalization fraud.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 13, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. Within a week after receiving his citizenship, Kourani received a U.S. passport. That May, Kourani traveled to Guangzhou, China, where he allegedly visited a manufacturer of ammonium nitrate-based First Aid ice packs. The IJO has used these ice packs in terrorist operations, according to the FBI.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 13-14, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download.

Kourani returned to Lebanon in July 2011 for weapons training at Hezbollah camps. According to information he gave the FBI, Kourani trained with rocket-propelled grenades, AK-47 assault rifles, an MP5 submachine gun, a PKS machine gun, and a Glock pistol.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 17-18, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. Fadi allegedly ordered Kourani to survey potential government and military targets in New York City. These included FBI offices in Manhattan, a U.S. Army National Guard facility in Manhattan, a U.S. Secret Service facility in Brooklyn, and a U.S. Army Armory facility in Manhattan.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 18, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download.

Fadi also allegedly directed Kourani to surveil New York airports and to cultivate contacts who could supply weaponry. Kourani also collected intelligence on former members of the Israel Defense Forces living in New York, according to the criminal complaint.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 19, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. The FBI alleges that Kourani used Google Maps to examine terminals at New York’s LaGuardia Airport and visited the websites of weapons retailers in search of body armor, uniforms, guns, and tactical equipment.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 20, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download.

The FBI further alleges that between January and May 2009 Kourani conducted several Internet searches on the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel, as well as Al-Manar, Hezbollah’s U.S.-sanctioned media arm. In January 2013, Kourani allegedly searched online for the phrase “if Hizballah was defeated,” which led him to an Al-Manar propaganda video featuring Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Kourani later searched the names of Hezbollah operatives who had carried out international acts of terrorism.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 14-15, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download.

Fadi allegedly asked Kourani if he could obtain employment at the Department of Motor Vehicles, but Kourani believe that would draw suspicion because of his educational background.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 19, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. While allegedly working on behalf of Hezbollah, Kourani earned an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering and a master’s of business administration.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 10, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. According to Kourani’s LinkedIn page, he received his engineering degree from City College of New York in 2009 and his MBA from DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School in 2013.Ali Kourani LinkedIn page, accessed June 14, 2017, https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-kourani-5b7820b/.

After finishing graduate school, Kourani worked at Metro PCS stores in Chicago, New York, and Greenbay, Wisconsin, according to his LinkedIn page. In March 2017, he took a position in New York City as an analyst with Integreon, an international legal and business research service.Ali Kourani LinkedIn page, accessed June 14, 2017, https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-kourani-5b7820b/.

Kourani claims the IJO deactivated him in September 2015.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice May 31, 2017, 12, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. According to the criminal complaint against him, Kourani met with the FBI several times in 2016 and 2017 for a series of interviews during which he identified himself as an undercover Hezbollah sleeper agent. Kourani allegedly agreed to the interviews in the hope of obtaining immigration benefits for his family, though the FBI denies such an arrangement.“United States of America v. Ali Kourani,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 31, 2017, 7, 11, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/press-release/file/972421/download. Based on the information Kourani provided, the FBI arrested him in Bronx, New York, on June 1, 2017.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic.

Kourani has been charged with:

• providing material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization
• conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization
• receiving military-type training from a designated foreign terrorist organization
• conspiracy to receive military-type training from a designated foreign terrorist organization
• conspiracy to possess, carry, and use firearms and destructive devices during and in relation to crimes of violence
• makingand receiving a contribution of funds, goods, and services to and from Hezbollah, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)
• conspiracy to makeand receive a contribution of funds, goods, and services to and from Hezbollah, in violation of IEEPA
• naturalization fraud in connection with an act of international terrorism.“Bronx Man And Michigan Man Arrested For Terrorist Activities On Behalf Of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, June 8, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/bronx-man-and-michigan-man-arrested-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s-islamic.

Kourani was convicted of all eight charges in Manhattan Federal Court on May 17, 2019.“Ali Kourani Convicted in Manhattan Federal Court for Covert Terrorist Activities on Behalf of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 17, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ali-kourani-convicted-manhattan-federal-court-covert-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s. On December 3, 2019, he was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.“Hizballah Operative Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Covert Terrorist Activities on Behalf of Hizballah’s Islamic Jihad Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, December 3, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/hizballah-operative-sentenced-40-years-prison-covert-terrorist-activities-behalf-hizballah-s. In April 2021, Kourani appealed his sentence on the basis that he did not realize he faced prosecution when the FBI interviewed him. According to Kourani’s attorney, the FBI never informed Kourani he faced prosecution and he believed he would receive immunity from prosecution.Nina Pullano, “Hezbollah Sleeper Agent Looks to Beat 40-Year Sentence,” Courthouse News Service, April 13, 2021, https://www.courthousenews.com/hezbollah-sleeper-agent-looks-to-beat-40-year-sentence/.

Samy el-Goarany was a U.S.-born foreign fighter for ISIS who died in combat.Faith Karimi, “New York college student killed after joining ISIS in Syria,” CNN, October 19, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/19/us/isis-new-york-student-killed-in-syria/. El-Goarany traveled to the Middle East in January 2015.Jake Pearson, “Terror mystery: How US man went from suburban bliss to jihad,” Monterey Herald, December 13, 2016, http://www.montereyherald.com/business/20161213/terror-mystery-how-us-man-went-from-suburban-bliss-to-jihad. He arrived in Syria via Turkey, having made contacts with ISIS facilitators prior to his departure.“Arizona Man Convicted In Manhattan Federal Court For Material Support To ISIS,” U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, January 30, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/arizona-man-convicted-manhattan-federal-court-material-support-isis. El-Goarany died in November 2015 while fighting alongside ISIS in Syria.Faith Karimi, “New York college student killed after joining ISIS in Syria,” CNN, October 19, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/19/us/isis-new-york-student-killed-in-syria/.

In February 2015, el-Goarany contacted his brother Tarek el-Goarany to apologize for his sudden disappearance, informing Tarek that he was undergoing religious training for his new “company,” as he referred to ISIS, and that once the training was complete, he would be able to communicate more regularly.James Nani, “Local ISIS fighter was radicalized in 2014, prosecutors say,” Times Herald-Record, October 20, 2016, http://www.recordonline.com/news/20161020/local-isis-fighter-was-radicalized-in-2014-prosecutors-say.

Following the start of an FBI investigation into el-Goarany’s disappearance, Samy’s father Mohamed el-Goarany traveled to Turkey in March 2015 in an effort to find his son.Kaja Whitehouse, “Shame made father lie about son ditching college to join ISIS,” New York Post, January 19, 2017, http://nypost.com/2017/01/19/shame-made-father-lie-about-son-ditching-college-to-join-isis/. The two exchanged messages over social media in which Mohamed begged his son to find time to see him.Katie Zavadski, “Mom and Dad Hid a terrible ISIS Secret,” Daily Beast, January 17, 2017, https://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/01/17/mom-and-dad-hid-a-terrible-isis-secret. Samy denied his father’s request, reportedly telling him to stop wasting his time and money in Istanbul and to return to the United States.Katie Zavadski, “Mom and Dad Hid a terrible ISIS Secret,” Daily Beast, January 17, 2017, https://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/01/17/mom-and-dad-hid-a-terrible-isis-secret. During this time, Mohamed reportedly met with Samy el-Goarany’s contact in Turkey, Ateia Aboualala.“Arizona Man Convicted In Manhattan Federal Court For Material Support To ISIS,” U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, January 30, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/arizona-man-convicted-manhattan-federal-court-material-support-isis. Aboualala confirmed for Mohamed el-Goarany that Samy had traveled to Syria to fight with ISIS. Mohamed, who had traveled to Turkey against the advice and without the knowledge of the FBI, testified in court in 2016 that he “[didn’t] want them to arrest Samy. If I [Mohamed] bring him back with me they don’t arrest him.”aja Whitehouse, “Shame made father lie about son ditching college to join ISIS,” New York Post, January 19, 2017, http://nypost.com/2017/01/19/shame-made-father-lie-about-son-ditching-college-to-join-isis/. His statements appear to have been made to justify his attempt to retrieve his son without the approval of the FBI.Kaja Whitehouse, “Shame made father lie about son ditching college to join ISIS,” New York Post, January 19, 2017, http://nypost.com/2017/01/19/shame-made-father-lie-about-son-ditching-college-to-join-isis/.

On November 23, 2015, el-Goarany’s family was contacted online by a suspected ISIS fighter to inform them of their son’s death. The suspected ISIS fighter sent pictures taken of a handwritten letter purportedly authored by el-Goarany and intended to be sent to his family upon his death.Faith Karimi, “New York college student killed after joining ISIS in Syria,” CNN, October 19, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/19/us/isis-new-york-student-killed-in-syria/;
“Arizona Man Convicted In Manhattan Federal Court For Material Support To ISIS,” U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, January 30, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/arizona-man-convicted-manhattan-federal-court-material-support-isis. The letter read, “If you’re reading this then know that I’ve been killed in battle and am now with our Lord InshAllah… I want you to know how much I love you ... but I don't think words will ever be enough to describe it.”Faith Karimi, “New York college student killed after joining ISIS in Syria,” CNN, October 19, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/19/us/isis-new-york-student-killed-in-syria/.

El-Goarany’s parents chose to hide the circumstances behind their son’s death from friends and family, claiming that he died in a car crash, and that the body was too badly burned to be identified.Erika Norton, “Community reacts to Goshen grad’s alleged ISIS involvement,” Warwick Advertiser, October 27, 2016, http://www.warwickadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20161027/NEWS01/161029957/-1/news/Community-reacts-to-Goshen-grad%92s-alleged-ISIS-involvement. El-Goarany’s neighbors, acquaintances, and members of the Islamic Center of Middletown, New York, held funeral services for el-Goarany in November 2015.Erika Norton, “Community reacts to Goshen grad’s alleged ISIS involvement,” Warwick Advertiser, October 27, 2016, http://www.warwickadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20161027/NEWS01/161029957/-1/news/Community-reacts-to-Goshen-grad%92s-alleged-ISIS-involvement;
Katie Zavadski, “Mom and Dad Hid a terrible ISIS Secret,” Daily Beast, January 17, 2017, https://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/01/17/mom-and-dad-hid-a-terrible-isis-secret. The truth surrounding el-Goarany’s death surfaced when his name was used publically in October 2016 during the trial of Ahmed Mohammed el Gammal, who was accused of providing material support to ISIS as well as helping el-Goarany become involved with the organization.“Arizona Man Convicted In Manhattan Federal Court For Material Support To ISIS,” U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, January 30, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/arizona-man-convicted-manhattan-federal-court-material-support-isis. El-Goarany’s father claims that Gammal manipulated Samy into joining ISIS and that the decision was not Samy’s alone.“How a New York man went from comfortable suburban life to jihad,” CBS News, December 13, 2016, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/samy-el-goarany-how-a-new-york-man-went-from-comfortable-suburban-life-to-isis-jihad/.

Several acquaintances and community members spoke out against el-Goarany’s actions, expressing surprise at his radicalization. Al-Tariq condemned el-Goarany’s behavior as well as ISIS, calling the group “the number one enemy of Islam.”Erika Norton, “Community reacts to Goshen grad’s alleged ISIS involvement,” Warwick Advertiser, October 27, 2016, http://www.warwickadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20161027/NEWS01/161029957/-1/news/Community-reacts-to-Goshen-grad%92s-alleged-ISIS-involvement. Peter Kwon, a friend of el-Goarany, posted on Facebook that he “had been close to this guy for the past 10 years, and I honestly wouldn’t have suspected him of joining this deplorable group.”“How a New York man went from comfortable suburban life to jihad,” CBS News, December 13, 2016, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/samy-el-goarany-how-a-new-york-man-went-from-comfortable-suburban-life-to-isis-jihad/. Multiple acquaintances, who wished to remain anonymous, reported being “stunned.”Jake Pearson, “Terror mystery: How US man went from suburban bliss to jihad,” Monterey Herald, December 13, 2016, http://www.montereyherald.com/business/20161213/terror-mystery-how-us-man-went-from-suburban-bliss-to-jihad.

Samy el-Goarany’s brother, Tarek el-Goarany, acknowledged being aware of Samy’s intentions to join ISIS. Tarek testified that in the summer of 2014 that Samy became “increasingly obsessed” with ISIS and that Samy had asked him if Tarek thought he should join ISIS. Tarek claims to have advised Samy not to join the group, but said that he did not inform anyone of Samy’s plans to travel abroad because he believed he could prevent Samy from leaving the country. According to Tarek, he joined his brother in shopping for supplies to help prepare for joining ISIS, supposedly to give him more time to attempt to convince his brother. Tarek also initially lied to the FBI during their investigation because “I [Tarek] didn’t know what would happen to my family.” Tarek began cooperating with the FBI in summer 2015 with an agreement that he would not be prosecuted.Victoria Bekiempis, “Brother of Baruch College student who joined ISIS says he helped him get ready for Syria but didn’t want him to fight,” New York Daily News, January 17, 2017, http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brother-baruch-isis-fighter-choice-shocked-article-1.2948723.

El-Goarany and Gammal first came into contact with one another in August 2014, when el-Goarany discovered Gammal’s pro-ISIS Facebook posts.“Arizona Man Convicted In Manhattan Federal Court For Material Support To ISIS,” U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, January 30, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/arizona-man-convicted-manhattan-federal-court-material-support-isis. El-Goarany messaged Gammal via Facebook Messenger on August 14, 2014, and according to court documents, the two began communicating using an unnamed encrypted messaging platform shortly thereafter.“Arizona Man Convicted In Manhattan Federal Court For Material Support To ISIS,” U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, January 30, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/arizona-man-convicted-manhattan-federal-court-material-support-isis. According to authorities, Gammal sent el-Goarany with a video on ISIS’s training process.“Arizona Man Convicted In Manhattan Federal Court For Material Support To ISIS,” U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, January 30, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/arizona-man-convicted-manhattan-federal-court-material-support-isis. Gammal and el-Goarany would regularly delete their electronic correspondence in an attempt to destroy any incriminating evidence, according to court documents.“Arizona Man Convicted In Manhattan Federal Court For Material Support To ISIS,” U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, January 30, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/arizona-man-convicted-manhattan-federal-court-material-support-isis. Gammal met with el-Goarany in person in October 2014, travelling from Phoenix, Arizona to New York City, where el-Goarany was living at the time.“Arizona Man Convicted In Manhattan Federal Court For Material Support To ISIS,” U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, January 30, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/arizona-man-convicted-manhattan-federal-court-material-support-isis. During this time, Gammal allegedly vetted el-Goarany as a potential recruit for ISIS and passed along contact information for his associate in Turkey, Ateia Aboualala, who would later help el-Goarany travel from Turkey to Syria.“Arizona Man Convicted In Manhattan Federal Court For Material Support To ISIS,” U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, January 30, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/arizona-man-convicted-manhattan-federal-court-material-support-isis. Shortly after arriving in Turkey, el-Goarany reportedly used Facebook Messenger to contact Aboualala, using coded conversation to avoid detection.Katie Zavadski, “Mom and Dad Hid a terrible ISIS Secret,” Daily Beast, January 17, 2017, https://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/01/17/mom-and-dad-hid-a-terrible-isis-secret.

Later in August, el-Goarany bought an airline ticket for Istanbul to depart in November 2014, but canceled it. El-Goarany then bought a ticket for January 27, 2015. On January 26, 2015, el-Goarany left his parents’ house in New York, and departed from JFK airport on January 27 to arrive in Istanbul on January 28. The next day, on January 29, 2015, el-Goarany met with Aboualala to begin arrangements to travel into Syria.Erika Norton, “Community reacts to Goshen grad’s alleged ISIS involvement,” Warwick Advertiser, October 27, 2016, http://www.warwickadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20161027/NEWS01/161029957/-1/news/Community-reacts-to-Goshen-grad%92s-alleged-ISIS-involvement.

El-Goarany gave conflicting cover stories to friends and acquaintances prior to his departure. According to prosecutors, el-Goarany told his parents that he was returning to NYC to continue his studies before leaving the country.Faith Karimi, “New York college student killed after joining ISIS in Syria,” CNN, October 19, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/19/us/isis-new-york-student-killed-in-syria/;
Larry Neumeister, “Testimony by NY Man’s Family May Be Key at Terrorism Trial,” New York Law Journal, January 13, 2017, http://www.newyorklawjournal.com/id=1202776824218/Testimony-by-NY-Mans-Family-May-Be-Key-at-Terrorism-Trial?slreturn=20170425125222. According to one of Gammal’s lawyers, Annalisa Miron, el-Goarany had said that his intentions in travelling were to join the humanitarian relief effort aiding Syrian refugees.Victoria Bekiempis, “NYC college student who died fighting for ISIS got help from Arizona man: feds,” New York Daily Post, January 10, 2017, http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-student-died-isis-arizona-man-feds-article-1.2943040;
Katie Zavadski, “Mom and Dad Hid a terrible ISIS Secret,” Daily Beast, January 17, 2017, https://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/01/17/mom-and-dad-hid-a-terrible-isis-secret. In exchanges with Gammal, el-Goarany referred to his activities in Syria as being employed by a “company.” He sent messages back to Gammal expressing his eagerness to begin an “internship,” presumably referring to ISIS. This is believed to be code designed to keep el-Goarany’s true intentions discreet.John Riley, “Lawyer: Baruch College student chose on his own to join ISIS,” Newsday, January 25, 2017, http://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/lawyer-baruch-college-student-chose-on-his-own-to-join-isis-1.13015855.

In September 2015, el-Goarany appeared in an ISIS video released on YouTube, stating that he had joined ISIS of his own free will.Victoria Bekiempis, “NYC college student died fighting for ISIS in Syria last year,” New York Daily News, October 19, 2016, http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-college-student-died-fighting-isis-syria-year-article-1.2835483. El-Goarany specifically named Gammal in this video, who had recently been arrested, stating that Gammal “had nothing to do” with el-Goarany’s decision to join ISIS.Victoria Bekiempis, “NYC college student died fighting for ISIS in Syria last year,” New York Daily News, October 19, 2016, http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-college-student-died-fighting-isis-syria-year-article-1.2835483. The video was later used in the U.S. trial against Gammal.

El-Goarany also operated a page on social media site Tumblr. There, he posted about social justice, criticizing U.S. policy abroad and competing Islamist groups, like the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.Katie Zavadski, “Mom and Dad Hid a terrible ISIS Secret,” Daily Beast, January 17, 2017, https://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/01/17/mom-and-dad-hid-a-terrible-isis-secret. In the summer of 2014, prior to his first interactions with Gammal, el-Goarany began expressing a more direct interest in militant Islam online, posting gifs of jihadists onto Tumblr and defending ISIS in debates online about the group’s alleged war crimes.Katie Zavadski, “Mom and Dad Hid a terrible ISIS Secret,” Daily Beast, January 17, 2017, https://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/01/17/mom-and-dad-hid-a-terrible-isis-secret. In December 2014, el-Goarany posted in a social media message that ISIS was the solution to “the real problem,” which according to el-Goarany is “US imperialism, mass murder, economic exploitation, systematic torture, the whole 9 yards.”James Nani, “Local ISIS fighter was radicalized in 2014, prosecutors say,” Times Herald-Record, October 20, 2016, http://www.recordonline.com/news/20161020/local-isis-fighter-was-radicalized-in-2014-prosecutors-say.

Esteban Santiago is a U.S. citizen and convicted ISIS sympathizer who on January 6, 2017, carried out a gun attack at Florida’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, killing five people and wounding six others.“United States v. Esteban Santiago Ruiz,” United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, January 7, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/file/923466/download. Santiago was arrested after running out of ammunition and surrendering to police.“United States v. Esteban Santiago Ruiz,” United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, January 7, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/file/923466/download. In the following days, he was charged with weapons charges, as well as an act of violence at an international airport resulting in serious bodily injury.“United States v. Esteban Santiago Ruiz,” United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, January 7, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/file/923466/download. Approximately one week following the shooting, Santiago told FBI agents that he had carried out the attack on behalf of ISIS. An FBI agent told the court that Santiago had been “in contact with like-minded individuals on the Dark Web.”Boris Sanchez, Kevin Conlon, “Fort Lauderdale shooter says he carried out attack for ISIS, FBI claims,” CNN, January 17, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/17/us/fort-lauderdale-shooter-isis-claim/;
Jay Weaver, “Accused airport shooter Esteban Santiago said he chatted online with jihadis,” Alaska Dispatch News, January 17, 2017, https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2017/01/17/airport-shooter-esteban-santiago-visited-jihadi-chat-rooms-online-prosecutors-say/. Santiago pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five life sentences plus 120 years in federal prison.Paula McMahon, “Airport Shooter Esteban Santiago to Plead Guilty, Spend Life in Prison,” South Florida Sun Sentinel, May 1, 2018, https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-reg-esteban-santiago-death-penalty-decision-20180430-story.html; Paula McMahon, “Airport Shooter Esteban Santiago Sentenced to Five Life Terms and 120 Years in Prison,” South Florida Sun Sentinel, August 17, 2018, https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-reg-airport-shooter-esteban-santiago-sentenced-20180817-story.html.

On January 5, 2017, Santiago took Delta Airlines Flight 1088 from Anchorage, Alaska, to Minneapolis, Minnesota. He landed on January 6 and took Delta Flight 2182 from Minneapolis to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Following his arrival, Santiago continued on to luggage claim to retrieve his checked bag, which contained a handgun that he had legally checked prior to his flight.“United States v. Esteban Santiago Ruiz,” United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, January 7, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/file/923466/download. After collecting his firearm, Santiago loaded the weapon—reportedly in the bathroom—and began indiscriminately firing in the baggage claim area in Terminal 2, killing five people and wounding six others.“United States v. Esteban Santiago Ruiz,” United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, January 7, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/file/923466/download. After running out of ammunition, he laid face down on the floor and waited for law enforcement to arrive on the scene. He was immediately arrested by an officer from the Broward’s Sheriff’s Department.“United States v. Esteban Santiago Ruiz,” United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, January 7, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/file/923466/download;
“Esteban Santiago Identified as Fort Lauderdale Airport Shooter,” NBC New York, January 7, 2016, http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/NJ-Shooter-Esteban-Santiago-who-was-fort-lauderdale-409914655.html.

Three months before the attack, Santiago told the FBI he was being exposed to terrorist propaganda. In November 2016, he walked into the FBI’s field office in Anchorage, claiming that the CIA was controlling his mind and forcing him to watch ISIS videos.Erik Ortiz and Tracy Connor, “Fort Lauderdale Shooting: Five Killed at Airport Shooting, Gunman ID’d as Esteban Santiago,” NBC News, January 7, 2017, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fort-lauderdale-shooting-five-killed-airport-shooting-gunman-idd-esteban-n704001. After evaluating his behavior, the FBI agents called local police who referred him to a mental health facility.Erik Ortiz and Tracy Connor, “Fort Lauderdale Shooting: Five Killed at Airport Shooting, Gunman ID’d as Esteban Santiago,” NBC News, January 7, 2017, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fort-lauderdale-shooting-five-killed-airport-shooting-gunman-idd-esteban-n704001. The FBI closed its assessment of Santiago after conducting interagency database checks and establishing that he did not have a connection to any terrorist group.“Esteban Santiago Identified as Fort Lauderdale Airport Shooter,” NBC New York, January 7, 2016, http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/NJ-Shooter-Esteban-Santiago-who-was-fort-lauderdale-409914655.html;
Caroline Linton, “Esteban Santiago-Ruiz: What we know so far about the suspected Fort Lauderdale shooter,” CBS News, January 6, 2017, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/esteban-santiago-ruiz-fort-lauderdale-airport-shooting-suspect/.

Santiago was born in New Jersey in 1990, and his family moved to Puerto Rico when he was two years old.Erik Ortiz and Tracy Connor, “Fort Lauderdale Shooting: Five Killed at Airport Shooting, Gunman ID’d as Esteban Santiago,” NBC News, January 7, 2017, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fort-lauderdale-shooting-five-killed-airport-shooting-gunman-idd-esteban-n704001;
Caroline Linton, “Esteban Santiago-Ruiz: What we know so far about the suspected Fort Lauderdale shooter,” CBS News, January 6, 2017, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/esteban-santiago-ruiz-fort-lauderdale-airport-shooting-suspect/. In 2007, he joined the Puerto Rico National Guard, with which he deployed to Iraq between April 2010 and February 2011.Nathaniel Herz, Chris Klint, Suzanna Caldwell, and Jerzy Shedlock, “Esteban Santiago, the suspect in Florida Airport shooting, was an Anchorage resident,” Alaska Dispatch News, January 7, 2017, https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/crime-courts/2017/01/06/suspect-in-florida-airport-shooting-has-same-name-age-as-anchorage-man/. Following his deployment, he transferred to the Army Reserves and later moved to Anchorage, where he joined the National Guard in November 2014.“Esteban Santiago Identified as Fort Lauderdale Airport Shooter,” NBC New York, January 7, 2016, http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/NJ-Shooter-Esteban-Santiago-who-was-fort-lauderdale-409914655.html;
Nathaniel Herz, Chris Klint, Suzanna Caldwell, and Jerzy Shedlock, “Esteban Santiago, the suspect in Florida Airport shooting, was an Anchorage resident,” Alaska Dispatch News, January 7, 2017, https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/crime-courts/2017/01/06/suspect-in-florida-airport-shooting-has-same-name-age-as-anchorage-man/. Santiago received a general discharge from the Alaskan guard for unsatisfactory performance.Caroline Linton, “Esteban Santiago-Ruiz: What we know so far about the suspected Fort Lauderdale shooter,” CBS News, January 6, 2017, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/esteban-santiago-ruiz-fort-lauderdale-airport-shooting-suspect/. According to the Pentagon, Santiago had gone AWOL (absent without official leave) several times during his time with the Alaskan National Guard and was previously demoted.Caroline Linton, “Esteban Santiago-Ruiz: What we know so far about the suspected Fort Lauderdale shooter,” CBS News, January 6, 2017, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/esteban-santiago-ruiz-fort-lauderdale-airport-shooting-suspect/.

Santiago had several run-ins with the police while living in Alaska. In January 2016, he was charged with assault and criminal mischief in a domestic violence case filed by his girlfriend. He reportedly choked her and struck her in the head. One month later, he violated the conditions of his release after police found him at her home.Nathaniel Herz, Chris Klint, Suzanna Caldwell, and Jerzy Shedlock, “Esteban Santiago, the suspect in Florida Airport shooting, was an Anchorage resident,” Alaska Dispatch News, January 7, 2017, https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/crime-courts/2017/01/06/suspect-in-florida-airport-shooting-has-same-name-age-as-anchorage-man/;
Ray Sanchez, “What we know about the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting suspect,” CNN, January 7, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/06/us/fort-lauderdale-airport-shooting-suspect/index.html. He also received two minor offenses in 2015 of having no proof of insurance, as well as a taillight violation.Ray Sanchez, “What we know about the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting suspect,” CNN, January 7, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/06/us/fort-lauderdale-airport-shooting-suspect/index.html.

According to Santiago’s relatives, his behavior appeared peculiar ever since he returned from his deployment in Iraq in February 2011. His aunt told CNN that “his mind was not right,” and that “he seemed normal at times, but other times he seemed lost.”Ray Sanchez, “What we know about the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting suspect,” CNN, January 7, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/06/us/fort-lauderdale-airport-shooting-suspect/index.html. She revealed that Santiago “talked about all of the destruction [in Iraq] and the killing of children. He had visions all the time.”Ray Sanchez, “What we know about the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting suspect,” CNN, January 7, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/06/us/fort-lauderdale-airport-shooting-suspect/index.html. According to Santiago’s brother, Santiago had requested medical help from the Army and federal agencies after his deployment, and was hospitalized for several days.Ray Sanchez, “What we know about the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting suspect,” CNN, January 7, 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/06/us/fort-lauderdale-airport-shooting-suspect/index.html.

According to authorities, Santiago admitted to planning the attack and purchasing a one-way ticket to Fort Lauderdale.“United States v. Esteban Santiago Ruiz,” United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, January 7, 2017, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/file/923466/download.

On April 30, 2018, Santiago pleaded guilty to the airport attack. The plea bargain stipulated a sentence of life imprisonment, in exchange for prosecutors agreeing not to seek the death penalty.Paula McMahon, “Airport Shooter Esteban Santiago to Plead Guilty, Spend Life in Prison,” South Florida Sun Sentinel, May 1, 2018, https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-reg-esteban-santiago-death-penalty-decision-20180430-story.html. On August 17, 2018, he was sentenced to five life sentences plus 120 years in federal prison. At sentencing, District Judge Beth Bloom referred to his airport attack as “85 seconds of evil,” and stated that “it is difficult, if not impossible, for this court to separate the evil in your acts from the evil in the man.”Paula McMahon, “Airport Shooter Esteban Santiago Sentenced to Five Life Terms and 120 Years in Prison,” South Florida Sun Sentinel, August 17, 2018, https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-reg-airport-shooter-esteban-santiago-sentenced-20180817-story.html.

Santiago is currently incarcerated at United States Penitentiary Allenwood in Pennsylvania.“ESTEBAN SANTIAGO-RUIZ,” Find an Inmate – Federal Bureau of Prisons, accessed April 7, 2021, https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/.

Sajmir Alimehmeti is a U.S. citizen and suspected would-be foreign fighter for ISIS. He was arrested in New York in May 2016 and charged with passport fraud and providing material support to the terror group.U.S. Southern District of New York, “United States of America v. Sajmir Alimehmeti, a/k/a ‘Abdul Qawii,’ Defendant,” May 23, 2016, 1-2, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/861501/download;
Marc Santora and Benjamin Weiser, “Bronx Man Accused of Trying to Join ISIS is Arrested,” New York Times, May 24, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/25/nyregion/bronx-man-accused-of-trying-to-join-isis-is-arrested.html. In addition to attempting to join ISIS in Syria, Alimehmeti allegedly sought to facilitate the travel of an undercover FBI officer to ISIS-controlled territory.U.S. Southern District of New York, “United States of America v. Sajmir Alimehmeti, a/k/a ‘Abdul Qawii,’ Defendant,” May 23, 2016, 1, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/861501/download.

In an effort to join ISIS in Syria, Alimehmeti traveled twice to the United Kingdom—in October and December 2014—but was denied entry both times and sent back to the United States. After Alimehmeti’s failed attempt in December, U.K. authorities shared photos with U.S. officials that they had retrieved from his cellphone and laptop. These included images of Alimehmeti posing in front of an ISIS flag, as well as downloaded sermons and lectures by deceased al-Qaeda cleric Anwar al-Awlaki.U.S. Southern District of New York, “United States of America v. Sajmir Alimehmeti, a/k/a ‘Abdul Qawii,’ Defendant,” May 23, 2016, 4, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/861501/download.

In the fall of 2015, an undercover FBI agent began meeting regularly with Alimehmeti, and witnessed Alimehmeti watch multiple ISIS videos at his apartment in the Bronx, New York. Alimehmeti told the agent that the videos helped keep him “motivated” while working out. During this time, Alimehmeti also began purchasing and collecting military-style equipment, including steel-knuckled gloves.U.S. Southern District of New York, “United States of America v. Sajmir Alimehmeti, a/k/a ‘Abdul Qawii,’ Defendant,” May 23, 2016, 4, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/861501/download. In October 2015, he attempted to fraudulently obtain a U.S. passport by lying to authorities that his old passport had been lost. Alimehmeti allegedly believed that a new passport would help him travel overseas to join ISIS.U.S. Southern District of New York, “United States of America v. Sajmir Alimehmeti, a/k/a ‘Abdul Qawii,’ Defendant,” May 23, 2016, 4, 13, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/861501/download.

In early May 2016, the FBI agent connected Alimehmeti to another undercover officer, who posed as an ISIS sympathizer attempting to travel to Syria. Alimehmeti allegedly attempted to help this agent travel to Syria, including by recommending tactical gear and encrypted messaging platforms, as well as bringing him to John F. Kennedy airport so that he could purportedly travel overseas to join ISIS.U.S. Southern District of New York, “United States of America v. Sajmir Alimehmeti, a/k/a ‘Abdul Qawii,’ Defendant,” May 23, 2016, 12, https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/861501/download. Alimehmeti was arrested on May 24, 2016, and charged with providing material support to a terrorist organization and passport fraud.Marc Santora and Benjamin Weiser, “Bronx Man Accused of Trying to Join ISIS Is Arrested,” New York Times, May 24, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/25/nyregion/bronx-man-accused-of-trying-to-join-isis-is-arrested.html?_r=0.

Alimehmeti pleaded guilty on February 21, 2018. On December 6, 2019, he was sentenced to 22 years in prison for “attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), and attempting to fraudulently procure a U.S. passport to facilitate an act of international terrorism.”“Bronx Man Sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court to 22 Years in Prison for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS,” U.S. Department of Justice, December 6, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/bronx-man-sentenced-manhattan-federal-court-22-years-prison-attempting-provide-material.

Kuwaiti-born Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez was an American citizen who in July 2015 carried out attacks on two U.S. military installations in Chattanooga, Tennessee, killing five U.S. military personnel. He is believed to have been inspired in part by the teachings of the late al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) cleric Anwar al-Awlaki.  Abdulazeez had not been on any terror watch list.Catherine E. Shoichet and Gary Tuchman, "Chattanooga shooting: 4 Marines killed, a dead suspect and questions of motive," CNN, July 17, 2015, edition.cnn.com/2015/07/16/us/tennessee-naval-reserve-shooting.

On the morning of July 16, 2015, Abdulazeez parked in front of a military recruiting center in Chattanooga and shot through the glass doors at personnel inside. From the recruiting center, he drove seven miles to a U.S. Navy operational support center and killed four U.S. Marines, fatally wounding one U.S. Navy sailor. Abdulazeez was killed by responding police.Catherine E. Shoichet and Gary Tuchman, "Chattanooga shooting: 4 Marines killed, a dead suspect and questions of motive," CNN, July 17, 2015, edition.cnn.com/2015/07/16/us/tennessee-naval-reserve-shooting.

Abdulazeez was born to Palestinian parents in Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi invasion of the country.Yasmin Khorram, Ben Brumfield and Scott Zamost, "Chattanooga shooter changed after Mideast visit, friend says," CNN, September 15, 2015, www.cnn.com/2015/07/17/us/tennessee-shooter-mohammad-youssuf-abdulazeez/. Abdulazeez’s father, Youssuf, was twice investigated by the FBI—in 1994 and 2002—for donating money to Palestinian groups suspected to be involved in terrorism.Craig Whitlock, Adam Goldman and Greg Miller, "Marines’ killer set off no red flags," Washington Post, July 18, 2015, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/gunman-in-marine-slayings-described-life-as-prison-days-before-rampage/2015/07/17/86d1f988-2c67-11e5-a250-42bd812efc09_story.html?hpid=z1. In 1996, the Abdulazeez family immigrated to the United States and settled near Chattanooga, Tennessee. They were later naturalized as U.S. citizens."4 Marines killed in attacks on Chattanooga military facilities," CBS News, July 16, 2015, www.cbsnews.com/news/report-police-officer-shot-near-tennessee-army-recruiting-center/ Muhammad attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering in 2012.Yasmin Khorram, Ben Brumfield and Scott Zamost, "Chattanooga shooter changed after Mideast visit, friend says," CNN, September 15, 2015, www.cnn.com/2015/07/17/us/tennessee-shooter-mohammad-youssuf-abdulazeez/.

In May 2013, Muhammad Abdulazeez was hired by the Perry Nuclear Power Plant but was fired after just ten days for failing a drug test."Sailor shot in Tenn. terror attack dies; gunman reportedly failed drug test at nuclear plant," Fox News, July 19, 2015, www.foxnews.com/us/2015/07/19/sailor-in-chattanooga-shooting-has-died-death-toll-now-5.html. His journal, recovered by the FBI after the shooting, documented Muhammad spiraling into depression after losing his job. He wrote about committing suicide or “becoming a martyr,” and abused opioids, painkillers, marijuana, and sleeping pills. In the months leading up to the shooting, Abdulazeez fell increasingly into debt and considered declaring bankruptcy.Brian Ross, Doug Lantz, and James Gordon Meek, "Chattanooga Shooter Researched Religious Justification For Violence: Official," ABC News, July 20, 2015, abcnews.go.com/US/chattanooga-shooting-fbi-recovers-gunmans-disturbing-diary/story?id=32558310. Adding to his depression was an April 2015 DUI arrest which reportedly brought great embarrassment to his family.Yasmin Khorram, Ben Brumfield and Scott Zamost, "Chattanooga shooter changed after Mideast visit, friend says," CNN, September 15, 2015, www.cnn.com/2015/07/17/us/tennessee-shooter-mohammad-youssuf-abdulazeez/.

Abdulazeez’s depression was mirrored by his growing radicalization. Starting in 2003, Abdulazeez had traveled to Jordan a total of five times, most recently in 2014 for seven months.Richard Fausset, "Chattanooga Gunman Mohammod Youssuf Abdulazeez: ‘Life Is Short and Bitter,'" New York Times, July 16, 2015, www.nytimes.com/2015/07/17/us/chattanooga-shooting-suspect-was-ordinary-boy-neighbors-recall.html?_r=0. He stayed with his uncle who was described by a U.S. law enforcement official as “radical.”Jonathan Dienst and Miguel Almaguer, "Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez Downloaded Recordings From Radical Cleric, Officials Say," NBC News, July 21, 2015, www.nbcnews.com/storyline/chattanooga-shooting/mohammad-youssef-abdulazeez-downloaded-recordings-radical-cleric-officials-say-n395986. Searches of Abdulazeez’s computer after the attack revealed that he researched whether martyrdom would absolve him of his sins.Joan Garrett McClane and Joy Lukachick Smith, "Why he did it: a look at the Chattanooga gunman's motives," Chattanooga Times Free Press, July 21, 2015, www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2015/jul/21/abdulazeez-lived-two-lives/315648/. A blog post, dated just two days before the shooting, lamented that “life is short and bitter” and that Muslims should not allow “the opportunity to submit to Allah ... pass you by.”Richard Fausset, "Chattanooga Gunman Mohammod Youssuf Abdulazeez: ‘Life Is Short and Bitter,'" New York Times, July 16, 2015, www.nytimes.com/2015/07/17/us/chattanooga-shooting-suspect-was-ordinary-boy-neighbors-recall.html?_r=0. A search of Abdulazeez’s house after the attack discovered both downloaded and physical CD recordings of lectures by Anwar al-Awlaki.Jonathan Dienst and Miguel Almaguer, "Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez Downloaded Recordings From Radical Cleric, Officials Say," NBC News, July 21, 2015, www.nbcnews.com/storyline/chattanooga-shooting/mohammad-youssef-abdulazeez-downloaded-recordings-radical-cleric-officials-say-n395986.

According to U.S. law enforcement, Abdulazeez was not in contact with any ISIS recruiters. A U.S. counterterror official stated, “This case appears to be much more like the old model, where he was interested in radical Islam and sought to learn more about it online by looking at videos and readings.”Michael Schmidt and Jody Rudoren, "Chattanooga Gunman Researched Islamic Martyrdom, Officials Say," New York Times, July 21, 2015, www.nytimes.com/2015/07/22/us/chattanooga-gunman-mohammod-abdulazeez.html.