Ayoub El-Khazzani is a Moroccan national and ISIS operative who attempted to open fire on a train traveling from Brussels to Paris on August 21, 2015. He is currently serving life in prison for the attempted attack.Constant Meheut, “Gunman Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2015 Attack on Paris-Bound Train,” New York Times, December 17, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/17/world/europe/france-train-attack-trial.html.

Khazzani allegedly relocated from Morocco to Spain in 2007, where he was later granted residency. He was detained a number of times for drug trafficking, and was first brought to the attention of anti-terrorist authorities for attending Taqwa, a radical mosque in Algeciras, southern Spain. Although authorities claim Taqwa was a pivotal factor in Khazzani’s radicalization, mosque officials denied that the mosque ever extolled radicalism, as even women were allowed to join prayers. Some scholars suggest Khazzani’s continued unemployment could have contributed to his radicalization. Along with occasional part-time work, Khazzani reportedly sold hashish in Algeciras, but eventually obtained a work contract handing out pamphlets on the outskirts of Paris in early 2014. His position was terminated after two months as he did not have the working papers to stay in France.Raphael Minder, “Scrutiny Falls on a Spanish Mosque After Foiled Train Attack,” New York Times, August 27, 2015, https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/28/world/europe/renewed-scrutiny-for-mosque-in-spain-after-foiled-train-attack.html.

In February 2014, he was flagged by Spanish authorities as an Islamist extremist who was traveling to France and was subsequently placed on an intelligence watch list in France. Following the Charlie Hebdo attack in January 2015, Khazzani was identified as a terrorist threat by French authorities as he had reportedly been in contact with Cherif and Saïd Kouachi prior to the massacre.“France train shooting suspect profile: Ayoub El-Khazzani,” BBC News, August 25, 2015, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34032218; “Thalys train attack: Belgium charges two over foiled 2015 shooting,” BBC News, October 31, 2017, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41825021; Sophie Jane Evans, Wills Robinson, Keiligh Baker, Darren Boyle and Nick Fagge, “Moroccan terrorist, 26, who was taken down by hero US airman and his friends after opening fire on French train - as it emerges he 'fought with ISIS in Syria and was known to FOUR intelligence agencies',” Daily Mail, August 13, 2015, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3207394/Pictured-Moroccan-terrorist-26-taken-hero-airman-friends-opening-fire-French-train-emerges-fought-ISIS-Syria-known-FOUR-intelligence-agencies.html. The 2015 attack, in which the Kouachi brothers forcibly entered the Charlie Hebdo office armed with assault rifles, submachine guns, pistols, and a rocket launcher, ultimately killed 17 people. The attack, which was carried out on behalf of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, was following the publication of a cartoon featuring the Prophet Muhammad.Harriet Alexander, “How did the Paris terrorists get hold of their weapons?” Daily Telegraph (London), January 17, 2015, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/11351855/How-did-the-Paris-terrorists-get-hold-of-their-weapons.html; Mohammed Ghobari, “Exclusive: Paris attack suspect met prominent al Qaeda preacher in Yemen – intelligence source,” Reuters, January 9, 2016, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-shooting-yemen-idUSKBN0KI0PW20150109.

At some point in 2014, Khazzani moved to Aubervilliers, France, for a period up to seven months before moving to Cologne, Germany, as well as Vienna, Austria, and Brussels, Belgium. In May 2015, Khazzani reportedly traveled to Turkey to undergo military training, and then Syria where he allegedly fought for ISIS.“France train shooting suspect profile: Ayoub El-Khazzani,” BBC News, August 25, 2015, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34032218; “Thalys train attack: Belgium charges two over foiled 2015 shooting,” BBC News, October 31, 2017, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41825021; Sophie Jane Evans, Wills Robinson, Keiligh Baker, Darren Boyle and Nick Fagge, “Moroccan terrorist, 26, who was taken down by hero US airman and his friends after opening fire on French train - as it emerges he 'fought with ISIS in Syria and was known to FOUR intelligence agencies',” Daily Mail, August 13, 2015, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3207394/Pictured-Moroccan-terrorist-26-taken-hero-airman-friends-opening-fire-French-train-emerges-fought-ISIS-Syria-known-FOUR-intelligence-agencies.html.

On August 21, 2015, Khazzani, boarded a Thalys train in Brussels heading to France armed with a Kalashnikov assault rifle, pistol, ammunition, and a box cutter. Three American tourists, including two U.S. servicemen, and one Briton, observed Khazzani preparing to attack and intervened, preventing Khazzani further carrying out the attack. Two people were injured—one was shot, while another was wounded apprehending Khazzani. According to witnesses, Khazzani appeared to be incompetent in handling his weapons.Adam Nossiter, “A Shot, a Glimpse of an AK-47, and U.S. Servicemen Pounced on Gunman on Train to France,” New York Times, August 22, 2015, https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/23/world/europe/americans-recount-gunmans-attack-on-train-to-france.html; Raziye Akkoc, “French hero's wife: 'He looked at me and said, ‘I’m hit.‘ He thought he was going to die' – live,” Telegraph, August 24, 2015, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/11819824/France-train-attack-Mark-Moogalian-named-as-French-hero-who-foiled-attack-by-Moroccan-terrorist-Ayoub-El-Khazzani-live.html. Furthermore, French prosecutors claimed Khazzani had allegedly watched an online recording that incited violence minutes before carrying out the attack.“France train shooting suspect profile: Ayoub El-Khazzani,” BBC News, August 25, 2015, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34032218. The video, which Khazzani accessed through YouTube, contained a message that encouraged violence “in the name of the prophet.”Matthew Dalton, Inti Landauro, and Sam Schechner, “Train Gunman Watched Jihadist Video Before Attack, French Prosecutor Says,” Wall Street Journal, August 25, 2015, https://www.wsj.com/articles/train-gunman-watched-jihadist-video-before-attack-french-prosecutor-says-1440519918.

Khazzani claimed he carried out the attack under orders from Abdelhamid Abaaoud, a Belgium-based ISIS operative who allegedly planned the train attack as well as the November 2015 gun and suicide bombing attacks in Paris.Josh Halliday and Jonathan Bucks, “Suspected Paris attacks mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud: what we know,” Guardian (London), November 16, 2015, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/16/abdelhamid-abaaoud-suspected-mastermind-of-paris-terror-attacks; David Chazan, “True Mastermind of Paris Terror Attacks ‘Still at Large,’” Telegraph (London), July 13, 2016, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/13/true-paris-attacks-mastermind-still-at-large/. Abaaoud was killed on November 18, 2015, during a major police raid in the Paris suburb of St. Denis.Aurelien Breeden and Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura, “Chief Suspect in Paris Attacks Died in Raid, France Says,” New York Times, November 19, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/20/world/europe/paris-attacks.html. According to investigators, Khazzani traveled with Abaaoud from Syria to Belgium and was instructed by Abaaoud to carry out an attack that would target Americans and members of the European Commission.Elaine Ganley and Nicolas Vaux-Montagny, “Trial in France for extremist foiled by 3 Americans on train,” Associated Press, November 16, 2020, https://apnews.com/article/france-ayoub-el-khazzani-trial-24fe4447218cb70bb0d2a51a68c7f17e; “Ayoub El-Khazzani: Gunman jailed for life over 2015 France train attack,” BBC News, December 17, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55351608.

Khazzani’s trial began on November 16, 2020 and on December 17, 2020, a Paris court sentenced Khazzani to life in prison for attempted murder in connection with terrorism, possession of weapons in connection with terrorism and participation in a terrorist group.Kim Willsher, “Terrorist behind foiled 2015 French train attack receives life sentence,” Guardian, December 17, 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/17/terrorist-ayoub-el-khazzani-2015-thalys-train-attack-life-sentence. Along with Khazzani, three others—Bilal Chatra, Redouane El Amrani Ezzerrifi, and Mohamed Bakkali—were convicted of helping Khazzani travel from Syria to Belgium, and for having assisted in the preparations for the assault. They were sentenced to prison terms that ranged from seven to 27 years.Constant Meheut, “Gunman Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2015 Attack on Paris-Bound Train,” New York Times, December 17, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/17/world/europe/france-train-attack-trial.html.

Abdul Nacer Benbrika is an Algerian-born extremist cleric who became Australia’s first convicted terrorist cell leader for leading two cells plotting large-scale terror attacks in the country.Alison Caldwell, “Two terrorist cells worked together to plot attacks,” Australian Broadcasting Corporation, September 19, 2011, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-20/benbrika-suppression-lifted/2907796; Mex Cooper, “Benbrika jailed for 15 years,” Sydney Morning Herald, February 3, 2009, https://www.smh.com.au/national/benbrika-jailed-for-15-years-20090203-7w7y.html. He was serving a 15-year prison sentence in Australia but became eligible for parole in November 2020. That month, Benbrika became the first Australian citizen to lose his citizenship while still residing in the country.“Abdul Nacer Benbrika: Australia revokes citizenship of terror plotter,” BBC News, November 25, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-55069037. Benbrika remains in prison as Australian authorities have legally extended his incarceration by at least three years based on the dangerous nature of his crimes.“Terror cell leader Abdul Nacer Benbrika loses legal challenge to his detention,” Australian Broadcasting Corporation, November 8, 2021, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-09/terror-cell-leader-abdul-benbrika-loses-detention-challenge/100605070.

Benbrika arrived in Australia from Algeria on a one-month tourist visa in May 1989. He extended that visa twice. After six months, Benbrika’s visa expired.Keith Moor, “MCG bomb plot terror chief Abdul Nacer Benbrika faces deportation under citizenship changes,” Herald Sun (Melbourne), February 17, 2015, https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/mcg-bomb-plot-terror-chief-abdul-nacer-benbrika-faces-deportation-under-citizenship-changes/news-story/07dd306d74db73fe66b42a0429a1fdf2. Australian law maintains different classifications for illegal immigrants. Between 1989 and 1994, Benbrika was progressively classified as a prohibited non-citizen, an illegal immigrant, and an unlawful non-citizen.Keith Moor, “MCG bomb plot terror chief Abdul Nacer Benbrika faces deportation under citizenship changes,” Herald Sun (Melbourne), February 17, 2015, https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/mcg-bomb-plot-terror-chief-abdul-nacer-benbrika-faces-deportation-under-citizenship-changes/news-story/07dd306d74db73fe66b42a0429a1fdf2. He spent the next six years in a legal fight for immigration status while claiming a “love of the Australian lifestyle.”Ian Munro and Barney Zwartz, “Arrested: a man apart who fought to stay in Australia,” Sydney Morning Herald, November 9, 2005, https://www.smh.com.au/national/arrested-a-man-apart-who-fought-to-stay-in-australia-20051109-gdmeos.html. Australian authorities ordered him to leave the country in 1990, 1994, and 1995, but Benbrika continued to fight for citizenship.Keith Moor, “MCG bomb plot terror chief Abdul Nacer Benbrika faces deportation under citizenship changes,” Herald Sun (Melbourne), February 17, 2015, https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/mcg-bomb-plot-terror-chief-abdul-nacer-benbrika-faces-deportation-under-citizenship-changes/news-story/07dd306d74db73fe66b42a0429a1fdf2. In 1992, he married a Lebanese-Australian woman and sought to gain citizenship through marriage. But the Australian law under which he applied required the relationship to have existed in 1990 when the law was drafted. After appealing on the ministerial level, Benbrika gained a permanent visa in 1995.Keith Moor, “MCG bomb plot terror chief Abdul Nacer Benbrika faces deportation under citizenship changes,” Herald Sun (Melbourne), February 17, 2015, https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/mcg-bomb-plot-terror-chief-abdul-nacer-benbrika-faces-deportation-under-citizenship-changes/news-story/07dd306d74db73fe66b42a0429a1fdf2.

Benbrika earned a reputation in Australia’s Islamic community for extreme positions. Benbrika originally began following hardline Australian cleric Mohammed Omran but formed his own group of followers after allegedly deciding Omran was too liberal. Others in Australia’s Muslim community called Benbrika a radical outlier and likened him to a cult leader.Ian Munro and Barney Zwartz, “Arrested: a man apart who fought to stay in Australia,” Sydney Morning Herald, November 9, 2005, https://www.smh.com.au/national/arrested-a-man-apart-who-fought-to-stay-in-australia-20051109-gdmeos.html.

In 2004, Australian police began a 17-month terror investigation called Operation Pendennis after receiving a tip from within the country’s Muslim community.Alison Caldwell, “Two terrorist cells worked together to plot attacks,” Australian Broadcasting Corporation, September 19, 2011, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-20/benbrika-suppression-lifted/2907796. The investigation focused on two connected cells in Melbourne and Sydney, both led by Benbrika. Benbrika and his followers discussed plans for a large-scale terror attack in Australia similar to the 2004 train bombings in Madrid, Spain. Prosecutors during Benbrika’s trial revealed that Benbrika told one of his followers, Abdullah Merhi, not just to kill a few people but to “do a big thing.”Mex Cooper, “Benbrika jailed for 15 years,” Sydney Morning Herald, February 3, 2009, https://www.smh.com.au/national/benbrika-jailed-for-15-years-20090203-7w7y.html. The cells planned to attack a grand final soccer match in Melbourne, but the attack did not materialize.“Australia’s biggest terror trial ends, 7 found guilty,” Reuters, September 16, 2008, https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSSYD34545220080916. Benbrika and several of his followers in Melbourne and Sydney were arrested in November 2005.Alison Caldwell, “Two terrorist cells worked together to plot attacks,” Australian Broadcasting Corporation, September 19, 2011, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-20/benbrika-suppression-lifted/2907796. Other notable members of the cell included Khaled Sharrouf, who later became a foreign fighter and died in the Syrian civil war.Candace Sutton, “PICTURED: The brown-eyed teenager who went on to marry Australia’s most notorious terrorist… as she insists husband Khaled Sharrouf WAS killed with fellow extremist Mohamed Elomar,” Daily Mail (London), last updated March 24, 2016, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3152968/The-brown-eyed-teenager-wife-Australia-s-notorious-ISIS-terrorist-Khaled-Sharrouf-insists-killed-fellow-extremist-Mohamed-Elomar.html. In August 2005, three months before his arrest, Benbrika gave an interview to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation denying involvement in any extremist activities. He claimed he was trying only to keep Muslims connected with their religion. In the same interview, Benbrika also praised Osama bin Laden as a “great man” and claimed anyone who dies for the sake of Allah would have all his sins forgiven.Alison Caldwell, “Two terrorist cells worked together to plot attacks,” Australian Broadcasting Corporation, September 19, 2011, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-20/benbrika-suppression-lifted/2907796; Dan Oakes, “Terrorist prisoner Abdul Nacer Benbrika could be kept in detention after sentence expires,” Australian Broadcasting Corporation, July 27, 2020, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-28/terrorist-prisoner-benbrika-could-be-kept-in-detention/12474720.

On September 16, 2008, Benbrika was convicted of directing and being a member of an unidentified terrorist group and knowingly possessing a compact disc connected to a terrorist attack.Tim Johnston, “6 found guilty of plotting attacks in Australia,” New York Times, September 15, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/15/world/asia/15iht-terror.1.16157999.html. The court also found that Benbrika justified the destruction of buildings and killing innocent people as a way to pressure Australia to withdraw from Iraq and break its alliance with the United States.Mex Cooper, “Benbrika jailed for 15 years,” Sydney Morning Herald, February 3, 2009, https://www.smh.com.au/national/benbrika-jailed-for-15-years-20090203-7w7y.html. Benbrika was sentenced to 15 years in prison in February 2009 with a minimum of 12 years before he could become eligible for parole. Six of Benbrika’s followers were also given minimum sentences of four to seven years in prison.Mex Cooper, “Benbrika jailed for 15 years,” Sydney Morning Herald, February 3, 2009, https://www.smh.com.au/national/benbrika-jailed-for-15-years-20090203-7w7y.html. In all, 12 of Benbrika’s followers were also convicted of terrorism charges, while another four pled guilty to lesser charges.Dan Oakes, “Terrorist prisoner Abdul Nacer Benbrika could be kept in detention after sentence expires,” Australian Broadcasting Corporation, July 27, 2020, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-28/terrorist-prisoner-benbrika-could-be-kept-in-detention/12474720.

On November 25, 2020, the Australian government revoked Benbrika’s citizenship. He is the first Australian citizen to lose his citizenship while still residing in the country. Australian law allows the revocation of one’s citizenship if that person is not left stateless. Australian authorities pointed to Benbrika’s Algerian citizenship to allow for the cancellation.“Abdul Nacer Benbrika: Australia revokes citizenship of terror plotter,” BBC News, November 25, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-55069037. Because of time served prior to his conviction, Benbrika became eligible for parole after November 2020.Dan Oakes, “Terrorist prisoner Abdul Nacer Benbrika could be kept in detention after sentence expires,” Australian Broadcasting Corporation, July 27, 2020, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-28/terrorist-prisoner-benbrika-could-be-kept-in-detention/12474720. Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton filed for a continuing detention order, which would allow Australia to keep Benbrika imprisoned for an additional three years. Authorities are also investigating the possibility of keeping Benbrika in permanent immigration detention if Algeria is not willing to take custody of him. The case was elevated to Australia’s supreme court.Elizabeth Byrne, “High Court to consider extended detention of terrorist Abdul Nacer Benbrika after his sentence,” Australian Broadcasting Corporation, December 10, 2020, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-10/high-court-to-consider-indefinite-detention-of-abdul-benbrika/12967414.

Benbrika’s non-parole prison term ended on November 5, 2020. The Victorian Supreme Court issued an interim detention order that kept him incarcerated for an additional three years. According to the court, Benbrika remained at high risk of reoffending.“Terrorist will stay in Australian jail despite sentence ending,” 9 News, December 24, 2020, https://www.9news.com.au/national/terrorist-abdul-nacer-benbrika-ordered-to-remain-in-jail-despite-sentence-ending/a7ff4bda-e0e2-41c2-b0e0-58782b9a8480. Benbrika launched two legal appeals, charging that the law extending his detention was unconstitutional and that the Victorian Supreme Court judge who had exercised it had made a legal error. His attorneys argued the federal government did not have the authority to impose the order for his continued detention. Benbrika lost his first appeal against the constitutionality of the law in February 2021. According to the court’s ruling, the law allowing Benbrika’s continued detention “is appropriately tailored to protecting the community from the singular threat posed by terrorist criminal activity.”“Australian court extends detention of Algerian-born Benbrika,” Al Jazeera, February 10, 2021, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/10/australian-courts-extends-detention-of-muslim-preacher; Minister for Home Affairs v Benbrika [2021] HCA 4, High Court of Australia, February 10, 2021, https://eresources.hcourt.gov.au/downloadPdf/2021/HCA/4. In November 2021, Victoria’s Court of Appeal ruled no legal error had been made in the order for Benbrika’s continued detention and he could remain in prison.“Terror cell leader Abdul Nacer Benbrika loses legal challenge to his detention,” Australian Broadcasting Corporation, November 8, 2021, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-09/terror-cell-leader-abdul-benbrika-loses-detention-challenge/100605070.

Kujtim Fejzulai is an Austrian-North Macedonian dual citizen and ISIS sympathizer who carried out the November 2, 2020 shooting rampage in Vienna, Austria. The attack killed at least four and wounded over 22 others.Ruth Bender and William Boston, “Vienna Terrorist Attack: What Happened in Austria?,” Wall Street Journal, November 3, 2020, https://www.wsj.com/articles/vienna-terror-attack-what-happened-in-austria-11604363647.

Fejzulai was born in Austria to ethnic Albanian parents from North Macedonia. According to media reports, Fejzulai was allegedly radicalized in at the Melit Ibrahim mosque as a teenager and had been further radicalized by ISIS’s online propaganda.Bojan Pancevski, “Vienna Attack Probe Unearths Web of Islamic State Sympathizers,” Wall Street Journal, November 4, 2020, https://www.wsj.com/articles/vienna-attack-probe-focuses-on-shooters-associates-11604524044; Oliver Moody, “Vienna terrorist Kujtim Fejzulai, a football-crazed boy who became a cold-blooded gunman,” The Times, November 7, 2020, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/vienna-terrorist-kujtim-fejzulai-a-football-crazed-boy-who-became-a-cold-blooded-gunman-pmpjbpn99.

Fejzulai had previously been convicted for attempting to cross the Turkish border into Syria to join ISIS. In 2018, Fejzulai was arrested by Turkish authorities for suspicious behavior and was deported to Austria.Askin Kiyagan, “Austria was warned before terror attack in Vienna,” Anadolu Agency, November 4, 2020, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/austria-was-warned-before-terror-attack-in-vienna/2032480. On April 25, 2019, Fejzulai was sentenced to 22 months in an Austrian prison. However, Fejzulai was released early in December 2019 on the condition that he would be regularly monitored by probation services and would participate in a deradicalization program.Kate Connolly, “Police investigate if Vienna attacker was part of wider network,” Guardian, November 4, 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/04/police-investigate-if-vienna-attacker-was-part-of-wider-network.

In July 2020, Fejzulai is believed to have traveled to Slovakia with another man, where he attempted to buy ammunition but failed to produce the necessary firearms licenses.Kate Connolly, “Police investigate if Vienna attacker was part of wider network,” Guardian, November 4, 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/04/police-investigate-if-vienna-attacker-was-part-of-wider-network. Slovakian authorities alerted Austrian officials regarding Fejzulai’s attempts to procure ammunition for his AK-47.Katrin Bennhold, Melissa Eddy and Christopher F. Schuetze, “Vienna Reels From a Rare Terrorist Attack,” New York Times, November 3, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/03/world/europe/vienna-attack-shooter.html.

On the evening of November 2, 2020, Fejzulai, wearing a fake explosive vest and armed with an automatic rifle, a handgun, and a machete attacked Vienna’s city center, including areas busy with people in bars and restaurants as well as outside the Seitenstettengasse synagogue. The attack killed at least four and wounded at least 22 others before Fejzulai was killed by police nine minutes into the attack.Ruth Bender and William Boston, “Vienna Terrorist Attack: What Happened in Austria?,” Wall Street Journal, November 3, 2020, https://www.wsj.com/articles/vienna-terror-attack-what-happened-in-austria-11604363647; Michael Bachner, “At least 2 dead in ‘repulsive terror attack’ at multiple sites in Vienna,” Times of Israel, November 2, 2020, https://www.timesofisrael.com/shots-fired-near-vienna-synagogue-prompting-massive-police-operation/.

The Austrian army deployed around Vienna to guard specific sites while police searched for additional attackers. Jewish communal leaders were uncertain if the synagogue, which was closed at the time of the attack, was a primary target. Police urged people to stay away from public spaces and transit, and also called on people not to share videos or photos of the attack on social media.Michael Bachner, “At least 2 dead in ‘repulsive terror attack’ at multiple sites in Vienna,” Times of Israel, November 2, 2020, https://www.timesofisrael.com/shots-fired-near-vienna-synagogue-prompting-massive-police-operation/.

The Austrian Foreign Ministry labeled the assault a terror attack, which Chancellor Sebastian Kurz described as “clearly an Islamic terror attack.” The attack began the night before Austria was set to begin a new coronavirus lockdown, with bars and restaurants closing for a month at midnight. Austria began three days of official mourning the day after the attack.Francois Murphy, “Austrian police arrest 14 in manhunt after gunman's deadly rampage,” Reuters, November 2, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/austria-attack-int/austrian-police-arrest-14-in-manhunt-after-gunmans-deadly-rampage-idUSKBN27I2P7; “Austria declares three days of national mourning after Vienna attack,” Brussels Times, November 3, 2020, https://www.brusselstimes.com/news/world-all-news/138959/austria-declares-three-days-of-national-mourning-after-vienna-attack-shootout-manhunt-sebastian-kurz/#:~:text=The%20Austrian%20government%20declared%20three,shot%20dead%20by%20the%20police.

ISIS supporters on the encrypted messaging service Telegram praised the attack, and ISIS claimed responsibility the following day through its Amaq News Agency. Amaq circulated a picture of Fejzuai posing with weapons, whom they called “Abu Dagnah Al-Albany.” Austrian police determined Fejzulai was the lone gunman but arrested 14 additional individuals across the city suspected of belonging to a terrorist organization. Switzerland also arrested two alleged friends of Fejzulai.Francois Murphy, “Vienna gunman rampaged alone, intelligence was fumbled, minister says,” Reuters, November 4, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-austria-attack/video-evidence-confirms-lone-vienna-gunman-theory-minister-idUKKBN27K20G?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1689625_; Philipp Jenne and Geir Moulson, “Gunman who killed 4 in Vienna attack had sought to join IS,” Associated Press, November 3, 2020, https://apnews.com/article/vienna-shooter-tried-to-join-isis-53282a7da4f3a1903358b4b16d8a17a6; “Islamic State claims responsibility for Vienna attack,” Reuters, November 3, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-austria-attacks-claim/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-vienna-attack-idUSKBN27J2FE.

On October 18, 2022, six men went on trial in Vienna for allegedly assisting or influencing Fejzulai ahead of the November 2020 attack. The six defendants—between the ages of 22 and 32—include four Austrian nationals, one Chechen national, and one Kosovar national. Prosecutors claim that some of the accused helped Fejzulai acquire weapons and ammunition, while others provided logistical support and encouraged the attack. All six pleaded not guilty. Four defendants face life sentences and two face up to 20 years in prison.Agence France-Presse, “Alleged accomplices on trial over Vienna jihadist shooting,” Yahoo News, October 17, 2022, https://sg.news.yahoo.com/alleged-accomplices-trial-over-vienna-014215228.html; Associated Press, “6 on trial in Vienna over links to gunman in 2020 attack,” Washington Post, October 18, 2022, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/6-on-trial-in-vienna-over-links-to-gunman-in-2020-attack/2022/10/18/6581e7a4-4ecc-11ed-ada8-04e6e6bf8b19_story.html.

Ibrahim Issaoui is a Tunisian national who carried out an attack at the Notre Dame Basilica in Nice, France on October 29, 2020. The attack—which included a beheading—killed three people.Angela Charlton and Daniel Cole, “France mourns 3 killed in church attack, tightens security,” Associated Press, October 30, 2020, https://apnews.com/article/tunisia-france-arrests-terrorism-nice-c01aa6dcd34fcf97ad5fcfa2b46bd83f.

According to media reports, Issaoui was unknown to French and Tunisian authorities. He was previously detained in 2016 for getting into a brawl, but was released shortly after due to his status as a minor. Additionally, friends and family close to Issaoui claimed he gave up drinking alcohol and began to pray, but showed no outward signs of radicalization.Mehdi El-Arem and Angela Charlton, “France church attack: Assailant’s family seeks answers,” Associated Press, October 31, 2020, https://apnews.com/article/italy-tunisia-france-arrests-terrorism-1cb4b96f82f69b3d627afa3f1f3ba406.

Issaoui allegedly left Sfax, Tunisia sometime in September 2020, without revealing where he was going. His family later discovered that he had taken a boat across the Mediterranean with a dozen other individuals from his area.Bel Trew, “‘He showed no signs of being radicalised’: Family of Nice terror suspect say he gave no clues about violent attack,” Independent, October 29, 2020, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/nice-terror-attack-tunisia-family-france-suspect-ibrahim-issaoui-b1455858.html. According to French anti-terrorism officials, Issaoui reached the Italian island of Lampedusa—a hub for migrants crossing from North Africa—on September 20, 2020.Bel Trew, “‘He showed no signs of being radicalised’: Family of Nice terror suspect say he gave no clues about violent attack,” Independent, October 29, 2020, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/nice-terror-attack-tunisia-family-france-suspect-ibrahim-issaoui-b1455858.html.

Media sources claim Issaoui’s boat was held for two weeks due to COVID-19 quarantine regulations, but finally disembarked in Bari, southern Italy on October 8. After carrying out a background check, Italian authorities did not find a criminal record for Issaoui, but still issued a deportation order since Issaoui had no legal grounds to enter Europe.Bel Trew, “‘He showed no signs of being radicalised’: Family of Nice terror suspect say he gave no clues about violent attack,” Independent, October 29, 2020, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/nice-terror-attack-tunisia-family-france-suspect-ibrahim-issaoui-b1455858.html. However, no further details have been provided by Italy as to whether any action was taken to ensure Issaoui complied with the order.“Alleged attacker, victims ID'd as investigation into Nice church attack continues,” Associated Press, October 30, 2020, https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/france-nice-attack-investigation-1.5783103. Issaoui allegedly worked illegally in an olive grove in Italy to make money, but decided to travel to France in pursuit of a more stable job.Bel Trew, “‘He showed no signs of being radicalised’: Family of Nice terror suspect say he gave no clues about violent attack,” Independent, October 29, 2020, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/nice-terror-attack-tunisia-family-france-suspect-ibrahim-issaoui-b1455858.html. French investigators determined Issaoui arrived in Nice on October 27.“French church attacker tests positive for Covid-19,” Al Araby, November 3, 2020, https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/11/3/french-church-attacker-tests-positive-for-covid-19.

On October 29, 2020, armed with a knife and shouting “Allahu akbar”—“God is great” in Arabic—Issaoui stabbed and killed three people at Notre Dame Basilica in Nice. Issaoui beheaded one victim and slit the throat of a second. Shortly after, police shot and lethally wounded Issaoui upon his arrest.Angela Charlton and Daniel Cole, “France mourns 3 killed in church attack, tightens security,” Associated Press, October 30, 2020, https://apnews.com/article/tunisia-france-arrests-terrorism-nice-c01aa6dcd34fcf97ad5fcfa2b46bd83f; Mehdi El-Arem and Angela Charlton, “France church attack: Assailant’s family seeks answers,” Associated Press, October 31, 2020, https://apnews.com/article/italy-tunisia-france-arrests-terrorism-1cb4b96f82f69b3d627afa3f1f3ba406.

Nice officials labeled the attack an act of terrorism, making it France’s third terror attack since September 2020. According to Tunisian prosecutors, a previously unknown group called Al Mehdi of Southern Tunisia claimed responsibility for orchestrating the attack. French police detained five additional suspects for questioning. However, there is no proof the formerly unknown extremist group is linked to Issaoui’s rampage.Angela Charlton and Daniel Cole, “France mourns 3 killed in church attack, tightens security,” Associated Press, October 30, 2020, https://apnews.com/article/tunisia-france-arrests-terrorism-nice-c01aa6dcd34fcf97ad5fcfa2b46bd83f; Bel Trew, “‘He showed no signs of being radicalised’: Family of Nice terror suspect say he gave no clues about violent attack,” Independent, October 29, 2020, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/nice-terror-attack-tunisia-family-france-suspect-ibrahim-issaoui-b1455858.html.

It is uncertain if Issaoui was motivated to carry out the attack due to a video released a day earlier by Turjuman al-Asawirti, a prominent ISIS operative, who urged ISIS followers to use violence and cut off heads in revenge for the French government’s stance on allowing the publication of controversial cartoons featuring the Prophet Muhammad. The video was released following French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo’s republication of cartoons featuring the Prophet Muhammad and the October 16 attack in which an ISIS sympathizer decapitated French teacher Samuel Paty for showing caricatures of the Islamic prophet in class as part of a lesson on freedom of speech.Bel Trew, “Extremist video calling for revenge against France released day before Nice attack,” Independent, October 29, 2020, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/isis-video-nice-terror-france-islamic-state-telegram-b1428147.html; James McAuley, “Teacher in Paris suburb decapitated, allegedly after showing cartoons of prophet Muhammad in class,” Washington Post, October 16, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/teacher-in-paris-suburb-killed-and-decapitated-allegedly-after-showing-cartoons-of-prophet-mohammad-in-class/2020/10/16/3d4d8be0-0fd5-11eb-b404-8d1e675ec701_story.html.

Issaoui was taken to a hospital to address his wounds and on November 3, tested positive for COVID-19. Issaoui remains hospitalized and has yet to be questioned due to uncertainty surrounding his prognosis.“French church attacker tests positive for Covid-19,” Al Araby, November 3, 2020, https://english.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2020/11/3/french-church-attacker-tests-positive-for-covid-19.

Mohamed Hichem Medjoub is an Algerian national who carried out the Lyon bakery bombing on May 24, 2019. The attack injured at least 13 people.Aurelien Breeden, “Explosive Device in French City of Lyon Injures at Least 13,” New York Times, May 24, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/24/world/europe/lyon-france-explosion.html.

After completing a degree in computer science in Algeria, Medjoub arrived in France on a tourist visa in August 2017. Sometime after his arrival, Medjoub failed to gain entry to a Lyon university because he did not have an appropriate visa to continue his studies in France.Samuel Petrequin, “Lyon bomb suspect had pledged allegiance to IS,” Associated Press, May 31, 2019, https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/lyon-bomb-suspect-pledged-allegiance-63394685; Victor Mallet, “Man held for Lyon parcel bomb confesses link to Islamic State,” Financial Times, May 30, 2019, https://www.ft.com/content/e8b63f0a-82ea-11e9-b592-5fe435b57a3b. Medjoub reportedly worked as a supervisor at the Lycée Ampère in Lyon.Victor Mallet, “Man held for Lyon parcel bomb confesses link to Islamic State,” Financial Times, May 30, 2019, https://www.ft.com/content/e8b63f0a-82ea-11e9-b592-5fe435b57a3b.

On May 24, 2019, Medjoub detonated a homemade bomb containing screws, ball bearings, and acetone peroxide—a compound previously used in the deadly Paris terror attacks of November 2015—near a bakery on a busy street in central Lyon. The attack injured at least 13 people. Witnesses reportedly saw Medjoub with a bicycle dropping off a bag in front of the bakery. Police did not immediately apprehend Medjoub, but after reviewing surveillance footage and discovering some of his DNA on the bomb, police arrested him three days later on May 27 just south of Lyon.Aurelien Breeden, “Explosive Device in French City of Lyon Injures at Least 13,” New York Times, May 24, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/24/world/europe/lyon-france-explosion.html; “French police hunt suitcase bomber after blast in Lyon,” Reuters, May 24, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-security-lyon/french-police-hunt-suitcase-bomber-after-blast-in-lyon-idUSKCN1SU1Z7; “French police arrest four over Lyon bomb blast,” Agence France-Presse, May 27, 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/27/french-police-arrest-three-over-lyon-bomb-blast.

Upon investigation of his family’s home, French police discovered batteries and chemicals similar to those used in the explosive device. Additionally, screws, ball bearings, four remote control devices, and a water bottle with traces of acetone peroxide were found in the building's garbage bins.“French attack suspect charged and detained,” France 24, May 31, 2019, https://www.france24.com/en/20190531-french-attack-suspect-charged-detained.

Medjoub allegedly told investigators that he had pledged allegiance in his “heart of hearts” to ISIS.Samuel Petrequin, “Lyon bomb suspect had pledged allegiance to IS,” Associated Press, May 31, 2019, https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/lyon-bomb-suspect-pledged-allegiance-63394685. After analyzing Medjoub’s computer, investigators alleged that Medjoub demonstrated an interest for “jihadi thesis and IS’s activities.”Erin Ogunkeye, “Lyon blast suspect appears before anti-terror judge,” France 24, May 30, 2019, https://www.france24.com/en/20190530-lyon-bombing-suspect-police-terrorist-jihad.

On May 31, 2019, French authorities charged Medjoub with attempted terrorist murder, criminal association, and building an explosive for terrorist purposes.“French attack suspect charged and detained,” France 24, May 31, 2019, https://www.france24.com/en/20190531-french-attack-suspect-charged-detained. Medjoub remains in detention.

Zaher Hassan Mahmood is a Pakistani-born terrorist who carried out a stabbing attack near the former offices of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris in September 2020.

On September 25, 2020, Mahmood, wielding a butcher’s knife, stabbed and wounded two employees of Premières Lignes, a documentary production company. French police arrested the 25-year-old assailant near Place de la Bastille shortly after the attack. The attack occurred on Rue Nicolas Appert, the same street where Charlie Hebdo’s office was located on during the January 7, 2015 shooting. The 2015 attack, which ultimately killed 17 people, was in response to the magazine’s publication of cartoons featuring the Prophet Muhammad.“Charlie Hebdo: Stabbings suspect 'was trying to target magazine',” BBC News, September 26, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54307820. Mahmood believed the two victims were employees of the publication.Aurelien Breeden and Constant Méheut, “2 Wounded in Paris Knife Attack Near Charlie Hebdo’s Former Office,” New York Times, September 25, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/25/world/europe/paris-knife-attack.html.

According to French officials, Mahmood sought to set the Charlie Hebdo offices on fire as the publication recently republished the controversial cartoons ahead of a terrorism trial for the 2015 attack.Aurelien Breeden, “Paris Attack Suspect Wanted to Target Charlie Hebdo With Arson,” New York Times, September 29, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/29/world/europe/france-attack-suspect-terrorism.html. Over 14 people are on trial for assisting in the Charlie Hebdo and kosher supermarket attacks in January 2015. The suspects face charges ranging from belonging to a terrorist organization to supplying weapons and financing terrorism.“France Pushes Back Charlie Hebdo Attack Trial To September,” Agence France Presse, March 31, 2020, https://www.barrons.com/news/france-pushes-back-charlie-hebdo-attack-trial-to-september-01585657804.

Mahmood allegedly arrived in France in 2018, posing as a minor named Hassan Ali in search of work. On September 25, 2020, the day of the attack, Mahmood was meant to meet with local authorities to review his status as he was not a legal resident.Aurelien Breeden, “Paris Attack Suspect Wanted to Target Charlie Hebdo With Arson,” New York Times, September 29, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/29/world/europe/france-attack-suspect-terrorism.html. Prior to the stabbings, Mahmood reportedly recorded a video on his phone claiming he would carry out an attack, but he did not claim allegiance to any particular terrorist organization.“Paris Attacker Says he Was Targeting 'Charlie Hebdo' Magazine,” Voice of America, September 28, 2020, https://www.voanews.com/europe/paris-attacker-says-he-was-targeting-charlie-hebdo-magazine.

According to people associated with the suspect, Mahmood repeatedly watched videos of the founder of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan who organized a series of demonstrations in Pakistan following Charlie Hebdo’s republication of the cartoons.Sam Schechner and Noemie Bisserbe, “Paris Knife Attack Near Former Charlie Hebdo Office Is Probed as Terrorism,” Wall Street Journal, September 25, 2020, https://www.wsj.com/articles/paris-knife-attack-near-charlie-hebdo-ex-office-injures-two-11601033740. On September 30, Mahmood was charged with attempted murder in relation with a terrorist enterprise.“Terrorism charges filed in stabbings near French newspaper,” Associated Press, September 30, 2020, https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/terrorism-charges-filed-stabbings-french-newspaper-73333959. Mahmood’s family in Pakistan praised his actions. His father, Arshad Mahmood, told a local news station that his son “did a great job” and had “done what every Muslim should have done — avenge blasphemy.”“Paris knife attacker's father applauds son; says he did ‘a great job,’” WION, October 1, 2020, https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/paris-knife-attackers-father-applauds-son-says-he-did-a-great-job-331694. In December 2020, French authorities arrested four Pakistani nationals accused of foreknowledge of Mahmood’s attack and encouraging him to carry it out.Agence France-Presse, “Charlie Hebdo: four men charged over Paris knife attack,” Guardian (London), December 19, 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/20/charlie-hebdo-four-men-charged-over-paris-knife-attack.

Abdoulakh Anzorov was a French immigrant of Chechen origin who beheaded history teacher Samuel Paty in a Paris suburb on October 16, 2020, allegedly as revenge against Paty showing caricatures of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad in his class. Anzorov was subsequently shot and killed by police.“Parent’s hate campaign ‘led to beheading of French teacher,’” Times (London), October 18, 2020, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/parents-hate-campaign-led-to-beheading-of-french-teacher-ltt3xfqw0. There were no immediate claims of responsibility by terror groups, but online ISIS supporters began circulating images of Paty’s corpse that Anzorov uploaded before police killed him.“Parent’s hate campaign ‘led to beheading of French teacher,’” Times (London), October 18, 2020, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/parents-hate-campaign-led-to-beheading-of-french-teacher-ltt3xfqw0.

Anzorov’s attack appeared to be directly motivated by Paty showing images of Muhammad. On September 2, 2020, a trial began in France of 14 alleged accomplices in the January 2015 attack on the offices of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and a kosher grocery store.Noemie Bisserbe, “Charlie Hebdo Trial Begins Five Years After Terrorist Attacks,” Wall Street Journal, September 2, 2020, https://www.wsj.com/articles/charlie-hebdo-trial-begins-five-years-after-terrorist-attacks-11599052956. In early October, Paty showed his students caricatures of Muhammad as part of a lesson on freedom of speech. Brahim Chnina, the father of a 13-year-old student in Paty’s class, accused Paty of Islamophobia over social media. Two weeks later, on October 16, Anzorov arrived at the College du Bois d’Aulne in the Paris suburb of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, where Paty worked. Anzorov did not know Paty prior to the attack and asked students to point out the teacher. He then proceeded to stab and behead Paty.“Parent’s hate campaign ‘led to beheading of French teacher,’” Times (London), October 18, 2020, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/parents-hate-campaign-led-to-beheading-of-french-teacher-ltt3xfqw0; “France teacher attack: Suspect ‘asked pupils to point Samuel Paty out,’” BBC News, October 17, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54581827. Anzorov filmed the moments before the attack and the attack itself, which he uploaded to the Internet.Jack Newman, Jack Wright, Peter Allen, and Chris Jewers, “Thousands rally in Paris in protest at murder of teacher Samuel Paty by refugee Islamist terrorist, 18, who FILMED moment he beheaded him for showing pupils cartoons of Prophet Mohammed and then posted grisly clip online,” Daily Mail (London), last updated October 19, 2020, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8852237/Islamist-terrorist-filmed-moment-beheaded-teacher-France-showing-cartoons-Mohammed.html. Anzorov also uploaded a picture of Paty’s body to Twitter with a confession of killing one of French President Emmanuel Macron’s “hellhounds who dared to belittle Mohammed….”Ally Foster, “Video of teacher’s beheading in Paris shared to social media,” News.com.au, October 19, 2020, https://www.news.com.au/world/europe/video-of-teachers-beheading-in-paris-shared-to-social-media/news-story/2277cfd2fe5a4e25a96aa723fc22d179. Police soon after arrived and Anzorov fired his air gun and attempted to stab officers, who subsequently shot Anzorov nine times.Ally Foster, “Video of teacher’s beheading in Paris shared to social media,” News.com.au, October 19, 2020, https://www.news.com.au/world/europe/video-of-teachers-beheading-in-paris-shared-to-social-media/news-story/2277cfd2fe5a4e25a96aa723fc22d179. Police then summoned a bomb disposal unit on the suspicion Anzorov had an explosive vest, which he did not.Elizabeth Little, “EACHER KILLER Paris beheading attack – Paris jihadi told kids to point out teacher before beheading him in the street,” Sun (London), October 18, 2020, https://www.the-sun.com/news/1644440/paris-beheaded-attack-france-bomb-vest-shot-live/. Following the attack, pro-ISIS supporters on the encrypted Telegram messaging service shared video and images of the attack and Paty’s decapitated body.“Parent’s hate campaign ‘led to beheading of French teacher,’” Times (London), October 18, 2020, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/parents-hate-campaign-led-to-beheading-of-french-teacher-ltt3xfqw0.

Anzorov was born in Moscow to parents of Chechen decent. He moved to France from Russia with his family in 2008 when he was 6 years old to seek asylum.“Chechen suspect in French teachers beheading had no links with Russia, embassy says,” RFI, October 17, 2020, https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20201017-chechen-suspect-in-french-teachers-beheading-had-no-links-with-russia-embassy-says. Though Anzorov was born in Moscow to Chechen parents, he had only visited Chechnya when he was a young child. Russian journalists and civil society leaders suggested a possible avenue of radicalization for Anzorov and other Chechens is extreme rhetoric from Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who has been a vocal opponent of illustrations of the Islamic prophet. After the January 2015 attack on Charlie Hebdo, Kadyrov led a rally protesting the magazine’s publication of the Muhammad cartoons. After news spread that Paty had shown Muhammad cartoons in his class, Kadyrov chastised France over social media for its “unacceptable attitude to Islamic values.”Anna Nemtsova, “Family of Moscow-Born Teen Who Beheaded Teacher Were from Chechnya Where Charlie Hebdo Cartoons Are Demonized,” Daily Beast, October 19, 2020, https://www.thedailybeast.com/family-of-moscow-born-teen-who-beheaded-teacher-were-from-chechnya-where-charlie-hebdo-cartoons-are-demonized. Additionally, Anzorov’s half-sister had joined ISIS in Syria in 2014.“Parent’s hate campaign ‘led to beheading of French teacher,’” Times (London), October 18, 2020, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/parents-hate-campaign-led-to-beheading-of-french-teacher-ltt3xfqw0; Ally Foster, “Video of teacher’s beheading in Paris shared to social media,” News.com.au, October 19, 2020, https://www.news.com.au/world/europe/video-of-teachers-beheading-in-paris-shared-to-social-media/news-story/2277cfd2fe5a4e25a96aa723fc22d179.

In the days immediately following the attack, French police conducted dozens of raids and opened more than 80 investigations into people who voiced support for Paty’s murder. Police arrested several suspects in connection with the attack, including Chnina and members of Anzorov’s family.“French police raid homes in online Islamist crackdown after teacher’s killing,” RFI, October 19, 2020, https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20201019-french-police-raid-homes-in-online-islamist-crackdown-after-treacher-s-killing-samuel-paty-islamophobia. Police also launched investigations into multiple organizations suspected of promoting Islamism.Gérald Darmanin, Twitter post, October 19, 2020, 3:23 a.m., https://twitter.com/GDarmanin/status/1318090336384782336; “French police raid homes in online Islamist crackdown after teacher’s killing,” RFI, October 19, 2020, https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20201019-french-police-raid-homes-in-online-islamist-crackdown-after-treacher-s-killing-samuel-paty-islamophobia; “France beheading: Minister wants to dissolve Islamic NGOs after murder of teacher Samuel Paty,” EuroNews, October 19, 2020, https://www.euronews.com/2020/10/19/france-beheading-minister-wants-to-dissolve-islamic-ngos-after-murder-of-teacher-samuel-pa. Police arrested French Islamic activist Abdelhakim Sefraoui, a friend of Chnina’s and also the founder and president of the Cheikh Yassine Collective, named after the co-founder of Hamas.“Parent’s hate campaign ‘led to beheading of French teacher,’” Times (London), October 18, 2020, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/parents-hate-campaign-led-to-beheading-of-french-teacher-ltt3xfqw0; “France: Head of pro-Hamas group and parent put fatwa on beheaded French teacher,” Times of Israel, October 19, 2020, https://www.timesofisrael.com/head-of-pro-hamas-group-and-school-parent-said-behind-fatwa-on-beheaded-teacher/. French police were reportedly aware of Sefraoui because of a history of anti-Semitic speeches and Islamist activities.“France: Head of pro-Hamas group and parent put fatwa on beheaded French teacher,” Times of Israel, October 19, 2020, https://www.timesofisrael.com/head-of-pro-hamas-group-and-school-parent-said-behind-fatwa-on-beheaded-teacher/. In early October, Sefraoui visited Paty’s school with Chnina to demand Paty’s dismissal. Chnina later posted a video to YouTube denouncing Paty as a “thug.” In another video, he called for France’s Muslims to mobilize.Ally Foster, “Video of teacher’s beheading in Paris shared to social media,” News.com.au, October 19, 2020, https://www.news.com.au/world/europe/video-of-teachers-beheading-in-paris-shared-to-social-media/news-story/2277cfd2fe5a4e25a96aa723fc22d179. Sefraoui and Chnina reportedly issued a fatwa against Paty.“France: Suspects behind beheading called for teacher’s death,” Al Jazeera, October 19, 2020, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/19/fatwa-launched-against-beheaded-teacher-french-minister. Three days after Paty’s murder, French prosecutors found no direct link between radical French Islamist movements and Anzorov, but they pointed to a hateful atmosphere on social media and identified an indirect link between these groups and the crime.David Roe, “Radical Islam, social networks and the Conflans attack,” RFI, October 18, 2020, https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20201018-radical-islam-social-networks-and-the-conflans-attack.

French society galvanized in support of Paty after his murder. The hashtag #JeSuisSamuel (“I am Samuel”) began to circulate on Twitter, harkening to the Je Suis Charlie slogan after the attack on the satirical magazine’s office in January 2015. French Prime Minister Jean Castex denounced Paty’s murder as a “vile attack” on French secularism.“Parent’s hate campaign ‘led to beheading of French teacher,’” Times (London), October 18, 2020, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/parents-hate-campaign-led-to-beheading-of-french-teacher-ltt3xfqw0.

Baz Hockton is a British convicted criminal and terrorist.Daniel De Simone, “Whitemoor prison terrorist attackers 'known to be dangerous',” BBC News, October 7, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54457605. Hockton converted to Islam while incarcerated and was later radicalized at the Whitemoor high-security facility in Cambridgeshire, England.“HMP Whitemoor inmates 'wore fake suicide belts in officer attack',” BBC News, September 22, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-54251086. On January 9, 2020, Hockton and fellow inmate Brusthom Ziamani injured three staff members at Whitemoor prison in an apparent terrorist attack, the first to occur inside a British jail.Daniel De Simone, “Whitemoor prison terrorist attackers 'known to be dangerous',” BBC News, October 7, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54457605. Hockton and Ziamani were found guilty of attempted murder and sentenced to life in prison in October 2020.“Whitemoor prison terror attack inmates handed life terms,” BBC News, October 8, 2020,  https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-54462241. Hockton was also sentenced to 10 years, to be served concurrently, for wounding another prisoner at Swaleside prison in Kent in April 2019.“Whitemoor prison terror attack inmates handed life terms,” BBC News, October 8, 2020,  https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-54462241.

Hockton has a criminal history. In 2013, he was sent as a teenager to a young offender’s institution for 16 months for breaking into and stealing from a home in Ramsgate, Kent. At the time, he already had 31 previous convictions.John Nurden, “Sheppey jail slasher Baz Hockton given another 10 years behind bars,” KentOnline, October 10, 2020, https://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/slasher-attacked-fellow-inmate-235305/.

In October 2016, Hockton got into a minor argument with a man named Ricky Diggins. Hockton reportedly left the scene and returned with a steak knife, attacking and wounding Diggins.Paul Hopper, “Baz Hockton jailed for knife attack in Ramsgate,” KentOnline, June 7, 2017, https://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/minor-argument-led-to-knife-126808/. The following month on November 11, 2016, Hockton randomly assaulted several people at a KFC restaurant. Unprovoked, he slashed one person’s face, instigated a fight with another, and punched a woman repeatedly in the face for intervening.Paul Hooper, “Baz Hockton jailed for slashing and punching strangers outside KFC in Ramsgate,” KentOnline, December 23, 2016, https://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/knifeman-slashed-and-punched-strangers-117929/; Isabella Nikolic, “Islamic extremist serving 22-year jail term for plotting Lee Rigby style terror attack and Muslim convert are found guilty of attempting to murder prison officer with 'shank' while wearing fake suicide vests at HMP Whitemoor,” Daily Mail, October 7, 2020, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8815543/amp/Islamic-extremists-wearing-fake-suicide-belts-guilty-attempting-murder-prison-officer.html. On December 23, 2016, Hockton was sent to prison for six years after admitting wounding with intent, assault causing bodily harm, assault by beating, having a knife in public, and possessing cannabis, in relation to the November 2016 incident.Paul Hooper, “Baz Hockton jailed for slashing and punching strangers outside KFC in Ramsgate,” KentOnline, December 23, 2016, https://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/knifeman-slashed-and-punched-strangers-117929/. While serving the six-year sentence, Hockton was sentenced to another nine years in prison and three years of probation for admitting wounding with intent, in relation to the October 2016 stabbing of Ricky Diggins.Paul Hopper, “Baz Hockton jailed for knife attack in Ramsgate,” KentOnline, June 7, 2017, https://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/minor-argument-led-to-knife-126808/.

On April 8, 2019, Hockton attacked another inmate at Swalesdale prison in Kent.John Nurden, “Sheppey jail slasher Baz Hockton given another 10 years behind bars,” KentOnline, October 10, 2020, https://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/slasher-attacked-fellow-inmate-235305/. He pled guilty to the attack in early 2020, but was not charged until another trial that began in September 2020. Following the attack in Swalesdale, he was transferred to another prison, before being transferred to Whitemoor prison in Cambridgeshire.Daniel De Simone, “Whitemoor prison terrorist attackers 'known to be dangerous',” BBC News, October 7, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54457605.

Hockton had reportedly converted to Islam during his incarceration at another prison, prior to his arrival at Whitemoor, where he registered as Muslim. A prosecutor said that he was “corrupted into extremism” at the Whitemoor high-security facility.“HMP Whitemoor inmates 'wore fake suicide belts in officer attack',” BBC News, September 22, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-54251086. There, he was exposed to ISIS ideology and came under the influence of fellow inmate Brusthom Ziamani, who provided Hockton with extremist material.Daniel De Simone, “Whitemoor prison terrorist attackers 'known to be dangerous',” BBC News, October 7, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54457605. Hockton reportedly possessed at least one copy of a lecture by Anwar al-Awlaki, which Ziamani had transcribed himself.Duncan Gardham, Matthew Bradley, and John Simpson, “Brusthom Ziamani: Terrorist watched Isis videos in jail cell,” Times (UK), October 9, 2020, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/brusthom-ziamani-terrorist-watched-isis-videos-in-jail-cell-dbpkk0tlx.

On January 9, 2020, Hockton and Ziamani launched an attack in Whitemoor prison using makeshift weapons.“HMP Whitemoor inmates 'wore fake suicide belts in officer attack',” BBC News, September 22, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-54251086. They initially attempted to lure a female security officer into a storage space to get the pair a spoon, but she refused. Ziamani then called on officer Neil Trundle for assistance, who obliged and then was attacked from behind.Daniel De Simone, “Whitemoor prison terrorist attackers 'known to be dangerous',” BBC News, October 7, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54457605. Both inmates wore fake suicide belts and shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the attack.“HMP Whitemoor inmates 'wore fake suicide belts in officer attack',” BBC News, September 22, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-54251086. Trundle was stabbed in the head and slashed on his neck, chest, and arms. The attackers also injured female prison officer Georgina Ibbotson and nurse Jane Cowels, who had attempted to assist Trundle.Isabella Nikolic, “Islamic extremist serving 22-year jail term for plotting Lee Rigby style terror attack and Muslim convert are found guilty of attempting to murder prison officer with 'shank' while wearing fake suicide vests at HMP Whitemoor,” Daily Mail, October 7, 2020, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8815543/amp/Islamic-extremists-wearing-fake-suicide-belts-guilty-attempting-murder-prison-officer.html.

Following the attack, prison staff discovered extremist material in Hockton’s jail cell, including writings that established his desire to become a martyr.“Whitemoor prison terror attack inmates handed life terms,” BBC News, October 8, 2020,  https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-54462241. Hockton retained access to Facebook while in prison and, weeks before the attack, was found to have uploaded a mobile phone image of himself claiming that he would be home soon.Daniel De Simone, “Whitemoor prison terrorist attackers 'known to be dangerous',” BBC News, October 7, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54457605.

Hockton and Ziamani were charged with attempted murder for the attack at Whitemoor prison. During the trial, Hockton pled guilty to an alternative count of inflicting wounding with intent, but denied that he intended to kill Trundle.“HMP Whitemoor inmates 'wore fake suicide belts in officer attack',” BBC News, September 22, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-54251086. On October 8, 2020, a judge sentenced Hockton, who was three years into a 12-year prison sentence for separate violent incidents, to life in prison. Hockton was also sentenced to 10 years, to be served concurrently, for wounding another prisoner at Swaleside prison in Kent in April 2019. He will be required to serve at least 23 years of his sentence before being eligible for parole.“Whitemoor prison terror attack inmates handed life terms,” BBC News, October 8, 2020,  https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-54462241. Hockton had pled guilty to the April 2019 prisoner assault earlier in 2020, but was only charged with the crime after the attack in Whitmoor prison.Daniel De Simone, “Whitemoor prison terrorist attackers 'known to be dangerous',” BBC News, October 7, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54457605.

Brusthom Ziamani is a British convicted terrorist and Muslim convert.“Soldier beheading plan teenager Brusthom Ziamani jailed,” BBC News, March 20, 2015, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-31987242. He was radicalized in part by U.K.-banned Islamist group al-Muhajiroun and its founder, internationally-designated radical cleric and convicted ISIS supporter Anjem Choudary.Laura Smith-Spark, “UK teen jailed for 22 years in extremist plot to kill soldier,” CNN, March 20, 2015,  https://edition.cnn.com/2015/03/20/europe/uk-terror-ziamani-sentenced/index.html; Rebecca Camber and Sarah Smyth, “Teenage jihadi guilty of plot to behead soldier was radicalised by hate preacher in just 12 WEEKS - and tried to convert his girlfriend who liked to wear short dresses and heels,” Daily Mail, February 19, 2015, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2960872/Teenage-jihadi-guilty-plot-behead-soldier-radicalised-hate-preacher-just-12-weeks.html. On August 18, 2014, police arrested Ziamani in a joint police and MI5 intelligence operation in London, where he was found with a hammer and 12-inch knife, which he reportedly intended to use to behead a British soldier. He was found guilty of preparing an act of terrorism and sentenced to 22 years in prison in March 2015.“Soldier beheading plan teenager Brusthom Ziamani jailed,” BBC News, March 20, 2015, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-31987242. On January 9, 2020, he and inmate Baz Hockton injured three staff members at the Whitemoor high-security prison in an apparent terrorist attack, the first to occur inside a British jail. Ziamani and Hockton were found guilty of attempted murder and sentenced to life in prison in October 2020.“Whitemoor prison terror attack inmates handed life terms,” BBC News, October 8, 2020,  https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-54462241.

Ziamani was born in London to Congolese parents, who are Jehovah’s Witnesses.“Soldier beheading plan teenager Brusthom Ziamani jailed,” BBC News, March 20, 2015, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-31987242. Ziamani, who says he first became interested in Islam at the age of 15 through rap music, decided to convert in April 2014.Laura Smith-Spark, “UK teen jailed for 22 years in extremist plot to kill soldier,” CNN, March 20, 2015,  https://edition.cnn.com/2015/03/20/europe/uk-terror-ziamani-sentenced/index.html; Haroon Siddique, “London teenager Brusthom Ziamani guilty of plotting to behead soldier,” Guardian, February 19, 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/feb/19/london-teenager-brusthom-ziamani-guilty-of-plotting-to-behead-soldier. That same month, he came into contact with Anjem Choudary and his followers at Camberwell Mosque.Rebecca Camber and Sarah Smyth, “Teenage jihadi guilty of plot to behead soldier was radicalised by hate preacher in just 12 WEEKS - and tried to convert his girlfriend who liked to wear short dresses and heels,” Daily Mail, February 19, 2015, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2960872/Teenage-jihadi-guilty-plot-behead-soldier-radicalised-hate-preacher-just-12-weeks.html. Ziamani was reportedly kicked out of his house when his family discovered that he had converted to Islam.“Soldier beheading plan teenager Brusthom Ziamani jailed,” BBC News, March 20, 2015, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-31987242. Needing a place to stay, he sought help from members of Choudary’s al-Muhajiroun. According to police, Ziamani was then rapidly groomed into extremism in a matter of months, as evidenced by increasingly radical posts on his Facebook.Laura Smith-Spark, “UK teen jailed for 22 years in extremist plot to kill soldier,” CNN, March 20, 2015,  https://edition.cnn.com/2015/03/20/europe/uk-terror-ziamani-sentenced/index.html.

On June 27, 2014, police executed a search warrant unrelated to Ziamani at the location where he was staying. They discovered extremist writings among his clothes and arrested him on suspicion of committing a terror offense.R v. Mohammad Abdul Kahar and Others, Royal Courts of Justice, May 17, 2016, 18, https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/r-v-kahar-and-others.pdf. Police found that Ziamani used one of his two mobile phones to research the location of cadet and army bases in South East London. He also conducted searches on his phone for “The Souls Journey after Death in Islam” and “Jannah,” a reference to Muslim paradise.R v. Mohammad Abdul Kahar and Others, Royal Courts of Justice, May 17, 2016, 18, https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/r-v-kahar-and-others.pdf. He was released on bail the next day. In the following weeks, Ziamani was approached on three separate occasions by Prevent Engagement Officers from the U.K. government, who are tasked with mentoring and intervention in order to prevent radicalization. However, he rebuffed their efforts.R v. Mohammad Abdul Kahar and Others, Royal Courts of Justice, May 17, 2016, 18-19, https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/r-v-kahar-and-others.pdf; R v. Brusthom Ziamani, Sentencing remarks of HHJ Pontius, Judiciary of England and Wales, March 20, 2015, 1-2, https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ziamani_sentencing.pdf.

On the morning of August 19, 2014, Ziamani went to an ex-girlfriend’s home to talk and show her his weapons, including a large hammer and a 12-inch knife. He reportedly told the witness, “Me and the brothers are planning a terrorist attack” and affirmed his desire to emulate the 2013 murder of British soldier Lee Rigby in London. He spoke to his ex-girlfriend about converting to Islam and showed her videos on his mobile phone of people being killed, whereupon she asked him to leave.R v. Mohammad Abdul Kahar and Others, Royal Courts of Justice, May 17, 2016, 19, https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/r-v-kahar-and-others.pdf. Later that day, British police arrested Ziamani, who was carrying a backpack that contained a hammer, 12-inch knife, and an Islamic flag. While searching his phone, authorities found that Ziamani used his mobile phone to research details of the 2013 murder of Lee Rigby, the terrorist perpetrators, and how to leave the country by car via the Eurotunnel. R v. Mohammad Abdul Kahar and Others, Royal Courts of Justice, May 17, 2016, 19, https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/r-v-kahar-and-others.pdf. While in police custody, Ziamani was interviewed by Paul Morris, a prison officer from a department that deals with people arrested under the U.K. Terrorism Act. Morris asked if he would like to speak with an imam attached to the prison, but Ziamani declined. Ziamani told the officer that when he was arrested, he had been on his way to military barracks to behead a soldier.R v. Mohammad Abdul Kahar and Others, Royal Courts of Justice, May 17, 2016, 19, https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/r-v-kahar-and-others.pdf.

Ziamani was inspired by the terrorist attack that killed Fusilier Lee Rigby and said he admired the perpetrators, British citizens and convicted terrorists Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale.R v. Brusthom Ziamani, Sentencing remarks of HHJ Pontius, Judiciary of England and Wales, March 20, 2015, 2, https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ziamani_sentencing.pdf. During his trial, Ziamani revealed that he knew Adebolajo and claimed that the two had distributed Islamist leaflets at the Greenwich Islamic Center together.“Brusthom Ziamani 'said he knew Lee Rigby killer Michael Adebolajo',” BBC News, February 20, 2015, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-31371972. The trial revealed that Ziamani had downloaded an “extensive body” of extremist material of a “vile and deeply disturbing nature” and internalized radical interpretations of the Quran, a hallmark of a “fanatical Islamist terrorist.”R v. Brusthom Ziamani, Sentencing remarks of HHJ Pontius, Judiciary of England and Wales, March 20, 2015, 1, https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ziamani_sentencing.pdf. Ziamani posted on Facebook about his hatred of authority, Shiites, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, Christians, Jews, and anyone who disagreed with his beliefs.R v. Brusthom Ziamani, Sentencing remarks of HHJ Pontius, Judiciary of England and Wales, March 20, 2015, 2,  https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ziamani_sentencing.pdf.

On February 19, 2015, Ziamani was convicted of preparing an act of terrorism.Haroon Siddique, “London teenager Brusthom Ziamani guilty of plotting to behead soldier,” Guardian, February 19, 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/feb/19/london-teenager-brusthom-ziamani-guilty-of-plotting-to-behead-soldier. On March 20, 2015, he was sentenced to 22 years in prison, with a minimum of 14 years and eight months before he would eligible for consideration by the parole board, and an additional five-year probationary period.R v. Brusthom Ziamani, Sentencing remarks of HHJ Pontius, Judiciary of England and Wales, March 20, 2015,   https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ziamani_sentencing.pdf. In May 2016, the Court of Appeal shortened Ziamani’s prison term to 19 years, determining that the initial 22-year custodial sentence was too long “given his youth.”Hannah Al-Otham, “Muslim convert who was jailed for plot to behead British soldier has jail term slashed,” Evening Standard, May 17, 2016, https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/man-who-was-jailed-for-plot-to-behead-british-soldier-has-jail-term-slashed-a3250361.html.

Ziamani’s extremist activities did not abate during incarceration. While at Woodhill prison in Milton Keynes, Ziamani defected from a group of ISIS-supporting prisoners to join a group sympathetic to al-Qaeda and even led the group in Friday prayers.Matthew Bradley, “Isis and al-Qaeda fought to control jihadist inmates,” Telegraph (UK), December 23, 2019, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/isis-and-al-qaeda-fought-to-control-jihadist-inmates-s0c0rkd2h. It is unclear at what point Ziamani was transferred, but while incarcerated at Whitemoor prison in Cambridgeshire, Ziamani obtained jihadist videos, including ISIS propaganda, and used the materials to radicalize fellow inmates. He even transcribed at least one lecture by Anwar al-Awlaki, which he passed on to other Islamists.Duncan Gardham, Matthew Bradley, and John Simpson, “Brusthom Ziamani: Terrorist watched Isis videos in jail cell,” Times (UK), October 9, 2020, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/brusthom-ziamani-terrorist-watched-isis-videos-in-jail-cell-dbpkk0tlx.

On January 9, 2020, Ziamani and fellow inmate Baz Hockton, also a Muslim convert, launched an attack on an officer in Whitemoor prison. The pair intended to lure a prison guard into a storage space, initially targeting a female officer by asking her to retrieve a spoon from the cupboard, but she refused. Ziamani then asked officer Neil Trundle, who obliged and then was attacked from behind.Daniel De Simone, “Whitemoor prison terrorist attackers 'known to be dangerous',” BBC News, October 7, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54457605. Ziamani and Hockton brandished makeshift weapons and wore fake suicide belts, at one point shouting, “Allahu Akbar.”“HMP Whitemoor inmates 'wore fake suicide belts in officer attack',” BBC News, September 22, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-54251086. Trundle suffered cuts to the head and neck and two other prison staff were injured before multiple officers arrived and subdued the inmates.Martin Evans, “Two prisoners wearing fake suicide belts stabbed guard in ‘terrorist attack’, court hears,” Telegraph, September 22, 2020, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/09/22/two-prisoners-wearing-fake-suicide-belts-stabbed-guard-terrorist/.

Ziamani denied the murderous intent of the incident, insisting it was an attempt for him to be moved to another jail.“HMP Whitemoor murder bid accused 'wanted to move jails',” BBC News, October 1, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-54379193. However, during Ziamani’s sentencing, the judge maintained that the intent was clear and the defendants had planned the operation for a significant amount of time, made apparent by the preparation of fake suicide belts and multiple weapons.“Whitemoor prison terror attack inmates handed life terms,” BBC News, October 8, 2020,  https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-54462241. The judge noted the significance of the attack in the maximum security prison, coming just weeks after the November 2019 London Bridge attack, during which former Whitemoor inmate Usman Khan killed two people.Lizzie Dearden, “HMP Whitemoor attack: Jailed terror plotter given life sentence for launching Isis-inspired attack inside high-security prison,” Independent, October 8, 2020, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/terror-attacks-uk-hmp-whitemoor-prison-ziamani-hockton-isis-b886348.html. Ziamani was also found with a four-page “martyrdom note” in his pocket during the January 2020 attack.Duncan Gardham, Matthew Bradley, and John Simpson, “Brusthom Ziamani: Terrorist watched Isis videos in jail cell,” Times (UK), October 9, 2020, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/brusthom-ziamani-terrorist-watched-isis-videos-in-jail-cell-dbpkk0tlx.

On October 7, 2020, Ziamani and Hockton were found guilty of attempted murder.“Two guilty of HMP Whitemoor terrorist attack on prison officer,” BBC News, October 7, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-54449183. The following day, both were sentenced to life in prison, extending their previous custodial terms. Ziamani, who would have been eligible parole in 2027, must serve at least 21 more years before being considered.“Whitemoor prison terror attack inmates handed life terms,” BBC News, October 8, 2020,  https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-54462241.

Abdulkadir Masharipov is an Uzbek jihadist and the perpetrator of the Istanbul night club attack on January 1, 2017 in which 39 people were killed and 79 others were injured. On September 7, 2020, Masharipov was sentenced to life in prison by an Istanbul court.“Suspect in deadly Istanbul nightclub attack denies charges,” Times of Israel, February 19, 2019, https://www.timesofisrael.com/suspect-in-deadly-istanbul-nightclub-attack-denies-charges/#gs.f7vd36.

Originally from Uzbekistan, Masharipov reportedly arrived in Konya, central Turkey in January 2016, illegally entering the country through the Iranian border. Masharipov and his family allegedly moved to Istanbul on December 15, 2016.“Istanbul Reina nightclub attack suspect captured,” BBC News, January 17, 2017, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38645787. According to reports, Masharipov was allegedly trained in Afghanistan and Pakistan and had ambitions to participate in the jihadist movement in Syria. The extent of his jihadist activities have yet to be fully disclosed.Bennett Clifford, “Radicalization And The Uzbek Diaspora In The Wake Of The Nyc Attacks,” GW Program on Extremism, November 2017, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/CliffordRadicalizationandUzbekDiaspora.pdf. Additionally, there is limited information regarding Masharipov’s radicalization, but the radicalization of young people from Central Asia who then travel to Syria has been a growing trend in recent years according to scholars at the George Washington University Program on Extremism.Rengin Arslan, “Abdulkadir Masharipov: Who is Istanbul gun attack suspect?,” BBC News, January 17, 2017, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38648350; Bennett Clifford, “Radicalization And The Uzbek Diaspora In The Wake Of The Nyc Attacks,” GW Program on Extremism, November 2017, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/CliffordRadicalizationandUzbekDiaspora.pdf.

On January 1, 2017, Masharipov opened fire at Istanbul’s Reina nightclub with an automatic rifle. Masharipov threw stun grenades to allow himself to reload and further shoot injured victims. The seven-minute attack killed at least 39 people and injured at least 79 others. Many victims were foreigners. Masharipov managed to flee the scene and ISIS quickly claimed responsibility for the attack, claiming the attack was in retaliation for Turkish support of the Syrian government in its fight against ISIS.“Top suspect in Istanbul nightclub shooting denies charges,” Associated Press, February 18, 2019, https://apnews.com/7fdc7d5e473a4e8da57f5ba6741bf676; “ Suspect arrested in New Year's jihad attack on Istanbul nightclub,” Washington Times, January 16, 2017, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jan/16/istanbul-turkey-nightclub-attacker-arrested-report/. According to one source, it is alleged that Masharipov may have been hired by ISIS instead of being radicalized by the group.Rengin Arslan, “Abdulkadir Masharipov: Who is Istanbul gun attack suspect?,” BBC News, January 17, 2017, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38648350.

On January 16, 2017, Istanbul authorities arrested Masharipov and four others—an Iraqi man, and three women from Senegal, Egypt, and Somalia—at a flat in the Istanbul suburb of Esenyurt. Upon investigation of the flat, authorities found weapons, ammunition, two drones and nearly $200,000.“Istanbul Reina nightclub attack suspect captured,” BBC News, January 17, 2017, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38645787.

On February 18, 2019, Masharipov retracted his previous statements to police admitting his guilt, claiming he was not the man who was holding the AK-47 rifle in nightclub security footage.“Top suspect in Istanbul nightclub shooting denies charges,” Associated Press, February 18, 2019, https://apnews.com/7fdc7d5e473a4e8da57f5ba6741bf676; “Suspect in Istanbul nightclub attack denies charges: Anadolu,” Reuters, February 18, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-security-nightclub/suspect-in-istanbul-nightclub-attack-denies-charges-anadolu-idUSKCN1Q71DD. According to Masharipov, he was falsely associated with the attack by the media and he hid to evade authorities because he did not have the necessary papers to live in Turkey.“Suspect in Istanbul nightclub attack denies charges,” Middle East Monitor, February 18, 2019, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190218-suspect-in-istanbul-nightclub-attack-denies-charges/. Over 58 suspects were on trial, with over 39 in custody.“Top suspect in Istanbul nightclub shooting denies charges,” Associated Press, February 18, 2019, https://apnews.com/7fdc7d5e473a4e8da57f5ba6741bf676; “Suspect in Istanbul nightclub attack denies charges: Anadolu,” Reuters, February 18, 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-security-nightclub/suspect-in-istanbul-nightclub-attack-denies-charges-anadolu-idUSKCN1Q71DD.

On September 8, 2020, Masharipov was sentenced to life imprisonment by an Istanbul court. Masharipov was sentenced for “deliberate murder” and “violating the constitution.” His sentence does not make him eligible for parole. Masharipov also received an additional 1,368-year sentence for the attempted murder of 79 people and for carrying a weapon without a license.“Abdulkadir Masharipov: Turkish court jails man for life over Istanbul nightclub attack,” BBC News, September 8, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54070456. Additionally, Masharipov’s co-conspirator was named Ilyas Mamasaripov, who was also sentenced to more than 1,400 years in prison. Along with Masharipov and Mamasaripov, 48 other defendants—including Masharipov’s wife, Zarina Nurullayeva—were sentenced to jail for being members of a terrorist organization.“Abdulkadir Masharipov: Turkish court jails man for life over Istanbul nightclub attack,” BBC News, September 8, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54070456; Murat Kaya, “Turkey: Accused Istanbul gunman may face 40 life terms,” Anadolu Agency, January 27, 2020, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-accused-istanbul-gunman-may-face-40-life-terms/1715654.