A 19-year-old man from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was charged with providing material support to the Islamic State, or ISIS, terrorist group.
Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz was charged in a two-count criminal complaint to “conspired to provide and attempted to provide material support to ISIL by propagating their hateful rhetoric on social media and aiding individuals in their pursuit of traveling overseas to join the designated foreign terrorist organization,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security General Carlin. ISIL is another term for ISIS, as is Daesh.
“A prior physical search of Aziz’s residence also revealed a tactical-style backpack in his closet, which contained high-capacity weapons magazines, ammunition, a knife, and other survival items,” he added. “The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism, and we will remain vigilant in our efforts to hold accountable any and all those who seek to provide material support to terrorists, and to disrupt potential attacks in the United States before they happen.”
Aziz’s home was raided on Nov. 27.
They also found five loaded M4-style high-capacity magazines, a modified kitchen knife, a thumb drive, medication, as well as a balaclava inside a backpack that he kept in a closet.
Officials said his home was cleared of all threats.
‘Used at least 57 different Twitter accounts’
The complaint also said he “created and used at least 57 different Twitter accounts,” of which the social media website “routinely suspends.” His postings are of a “radical nature,” it added.
He frequently used a variation of the handle “Colonel Shami” on Twitter, and used the accounts to spread pro-ISIS propaganda that included news, photos, and videos depicting executions and violence, the complaint said.
It also said he encouraged others to provide monetary support for ISIS and expressed a desire to head to ISIS-controlled areas in Syria and Iraq.
In 2014, he pledged allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi, authorities added. In January, he wrote to President Obama, saying “we are coming to America and know that we will sever your head in the White House.”
Officials accused Aziz of using Twitter that advocated for violence against U.S. military members.
Elsewhere, Aziz apparently wanted to purchase a “female slave” if he were to travel to ISIS-controlled areas.
