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Investigators claim the suspects openly celebrated ISIS propaganda, pledged loyalty to the terror group and its leadership, and participated in discussions promoting violence against Americans.
Some of the messages cited in the criminal complaint are deeply disturbing.
According to prosecutors, Ghafoor expressed excitement about a potential drone strike targeting Americans and reportedly stated it would be “sick” if his name could be written on the drone used in an attack.
Authorities also allege Dzayee suggested that U.S. Special Forces should be targeted in future drone operations.
Shamsaldeen allegedly discussed his desire to physically attack a member of the U.S. military, while Ghafoor made even more alarming statements.
Federal investigators say Ghafoor declared that he had always wanted to kill a female soldier by beheading and later added, “I wish I could kill 300,000,000 Americans.”
Court filings further reveal that the suspects allegedly explored ways to use cryptocurrency to acquire weapons and equipment. Investigators claim funds were sent to support the purchase of drones intended for use against American troops deployed overseas.
One particularly shocking allegation involves a rocket-propelled grenade projectile that reportedly had Ghafoor’s name written on it. Authorities believe the weapon was connected to plans involving attacks on U.S. servicemembers abroad.
Prosecutors also say the defendants discussed leaving the United States to fight alongside ISIS and repeatedly expressed a willingness to die for the organization.
In total, investigators allege the group sent more than $2,000 to support activities they believed would assist ISIS operations and facilitate attacks against Americans.
The case is being viewed as another example of how online radicalization continues to pose a serious national security threat despite the military defeat of ISIS’s so-called caliphate years ago.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche praised federal investigators for disrupting the alleged scheme before any attacks could be carried out.
“This administration has put terrorists, cartels, and gangs on notice. Today’s arrest of three individuals who allegedly conspired to provide material support to ISIS makes clear our commitment to taking down terrorist networks — anywhere. Thanks to the vigilance of the FBI, their alleged scheme was dismantled and further acts of violence against U.S. service members were prevented,” Blanche said.
FBI Director Kash Patel also highlighted the operation as an example of proactive counterterrorism efforts.
“These subjects allegedly swore allegiance to ISIS, plotted multiple attacks, and even targeted U.S. service members — but this FBI stopped them cold. The success of this op shows once again this FBI’s continued record of stopping terrorist attacks before they happen, simply the best way to defend the homeland — and shows we’ll stop at nothing to defend Americans from those who seek to do us harm,” Patel said.
The defendants remain innocent until proven guilty in court.
If convicted on the federal terrorism charges, each could face up to 20 years behind bars along with fines reaching $250,000.
The arrests serve as a stark reminder that while ISIS may no longer dominate headlines the way it once did, federal authorities continue to confront threats from individuals allegedly inspired by the group’s violent ideology, including some who are American citizens themselves.
