Police arrested a Brooklyn man last week for allegedly publishing ISIS propaganda and bomb-making instructions in an effort to incite terrorist attacks in New York City.
“The defendant allegedly provided instructions for how to plan attacks on US soil, encouraging ISIS supporters to attack in well-populated locations,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers. “The National Security Division is committed to identifying and holding accountable those who support foreign terrorist organizations and pose a threat to our communities.”
The suspect allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS twice, first in July and a second time in October, according to prosecutors.
In March, the 40-year-old began posting ISIS propaganda — including calls to commit independent terrorist attacks in the metro area — to encrypted chatrooms with the intention to reach members, associates, supporters, and potential ISIS recruits.
The defendant purportedly disseminated instructions on how to conduct a terrorist attack and how to select a target to attack in an Aug. 3 post, court documents said.
Other posts featured titles including “Knife Attacks” and “Make a bomb in the kitchen of your mom,” prosecutors claim.
The Brooklyn resident faces charges of attempting to provide material support for ISIS and distributing information relating to explosives, destructive devices, and weapons of mass destruction — both of which carry maximum sentences of 20 years if convicted.
“Today’s arrest in Brooklyn is a reminder that New York City remains a top terrorism target in the United States,” said former NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill. “ The NYPD and all of our law-enforcement partners remain vigilant in this ongoing fight against terror and anyone who would plot to do us harm.”
