California man arrested for plotting terror attacks on behalf of ISIS

The Department of Justice has charged a California man with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Ammaad Akhtar, 33, of Stockton, has been accused of plotting and providing financial funding for attacks. He was arrested on Tuesday and arraigned on charges in the US District Court for the Eastern District of California, according to a press release.

In February, Akhtar began communicating online with an undercover law enforcement officer, whom Akhtar believed was a member of ISIS. Akhtar allegedly voiced his support for ISIS and jihad during these conversations, expressing his desire to travel overseas and join ISIS, as well as sending money and firearms to the terror group, according to court documents.

As the investigation progressed in April, Akhtar "demonstrated a desire to provide support for ISIS and did so by providing funding on multiple occasions," court documents state. Akhtar sent the undercover law enforcement officer money to purchase guns intended for ISIS. After the officer informed Akhtar that the weapons had been procured, the defendant asserted he would send more funds and stated, "may Allah destroy our enemies," according to court filings.
 

During this time, Akhtar allegedly discussed plotting terror attacks, including conducting attacks targeting specific individuals and an attack using homemade explosives. The defendant reportedly asked for instructions on how to make homemade explosive devices in order "to make a boom" at a populated event. Additionally, Akhtar reportedly stated that he "wants to die in the cause of Allah fighting the kuffar [infidels]," as stated in court documents.

On June 23, Akhtar met with the undercover agent whom he believed was an ISIS associate. Akhtar swore a pledge of loyalty to ISIS and provided clothing, binoculars, $400 cash, two loaded guns, and six additional magazines, according to court documents. 

Akhtar faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted of charges.

This case is being investigated by the FBI's Sacramento Field Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Elliot Wong for the Eastern District of California and Trial Attorney Ryan D. White of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.