Overview

Munir Abdulkader, a U.S. citizen, is a self-radicalized and convicted supporter of ISIS. He had originally sought to join ISIS abroad in Syria, but ultimately decided to carry out an attack in the United States—plotting to kill a U.S. military employee and to attack a police station in Ohio. Police arrested him in May 2015 before an attack occurred. Abdulkader was charged with conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to kill a government employee, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime. In February 2016, he pled guilty to all charges and was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment and lifetime of supervised release later that year in November.Department of Justice/Office of Public Affairs, “Ohio Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Plot to Attack U.S. Government Officers,” November 23, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ohio-man-sentenced-20-years-prison-plot-attack-us-government-officers; USA v. Munir Abdulkader, “Sentencing Proceedings,” George Washington University – Program on Extremism, November 23, 2016, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/AbdulkaderSentencingProceedings.pdf.

Abdulkader received U.S. citizenship in 2006 and resided in West Chester, Ohio. He studied chemistry and business at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. According to friends and family, Abdulkader was smart, did well in school, and was popular and well-liked. He appeared to be well-integrated in his community.USA v. Munir Abdulkader, “Sentencing Proceedings,” George Washington University – Program on Extremism, November 23, 2016, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/AbdulkaderSentencingProceedings.pdf.

In 2014, Abdulkader began to post statements and videos on Twitter indicating his support for ISIS. He frequently expressed his desire to join the terrorist organization as a foreign fighter. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began monitoring his activities during this time.USA v. Munir Abdulkader, “Affidavit in Support of Complaint,” George Washington University – Program on Extremism, May 22, 2015, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/Abdulkader%20Affidavit.pdf.

In March and April 2015, Abdulkader made concrete preparations to travel to Syria. He applied for a U.S. passport, saved money, and researched the logistical details to join ISIS. However, Abdulkader grew concerned as U.S. authorities began arresting attempted pro-ISIS foreign fighters prior to their departure. Abdulkader ultimately canceled his plans to join ISIS abroad.USA v. Munir Abdulkader, “Affidavit in Support of Complaint,” George Washington University – Program on Extremism, May 22, 2015, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/Abdulkader%20Affidavit.pdf.

In May 2015, Abdulkader communicated electronically with ISIS members overseas and eventually came into contact with now-deceased ISIS operative Junaid Hussain, who encouraged Abdulkader to pursue an attack within the United States. Specifically, Hussain recommended that Abdulkader target police stations, since attacking a military base would be more difficult.Department of Justice/Office of Public Affairs, “Ohio Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Plot to Attack U.S. Government Officers,” November 23, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ohio-man-sentenced-20-years-prison-plot-attack-us-government-officers; USA v. Munir Abdulkader, “Sentencing Proceedings,” George Washington University – Program on Extremism, November 23, 2016, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/AbdulkaderSentencingProceedings.pdf.

Following Hussain’s advice, Abdulkader planned to abduct a military employee from his home and behead him.USA v. Munir Abdulkader, “Sentencing Proceedings,” George Washington University – Program on Extremism, November 23, 2016, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/AbdulkaderSentencingProceedings.pdf. He had planned to film the execution, which was intended to serve as ISIS propaganda.Department of Justice/Office of Public Affairs, “Ohio Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Plot to Attack U.S. Government Officers,” November 23, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ohio-man-sentenced-20-years-prison-plot-attack-us-government-officers. Abdulkader also plotted to attack a police station in Cincinnati, Ohio, using firearms and Molotov cocktails.USA v. Munir Abdulkader, “Sentencing Proceedings,” George Washington University – Program on Extremism, November 23, 2016, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/AbdulkaderSentencingProceedings.pdf. In preparation for the attack, Abdulkader conducted surveillance of the police station, took lessons at a shooting range, and purchased an AK-47 assault rifle. He was subsequently arrested by law enforcement authorities and charged for conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to kill a government employee, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime.Department of Justice/Office of Public Affairs, “Ohio Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Plot to Attack U.S. Government Officers,” November 23, 2016, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ohio-man-sentenced-20-years-prison-plot-attack-us-government-officers.

On February 29, 2016, Abdulkader pled guilty to all charges. His defense attorney emphasized in court that Abdulkader never denied his involvement and noted that Abdulkader regretted his poor decisions. On November 23, 2016, He was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment and lifetime supervised release.USA v. Munir Abdulkader, “Sentencing Proceedings,” George Washington University – Program on Extremism, November 23, 2016, https://extremism.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2191/f/AbdulkaderSentencingProceedings.pdf.