A judge has sentenced a 26-year-old Florida resident to 18 years in federal prison for aiding a foreign terrorist organization, according to a Justice Department press release.
Muhammad Momtaz Al-Azhari of Tampa, Florida, has been under investigation by the FBI since December 2018 for allegedly aiding ISIS, a foreign terrorist organization recognized by federal law, court documents show. clearly. Al-Azhari was arrested by investigators in 2020 after engaging in a fight with someone who obtained a gun and silencer from a classified intelligence source (CHS).
Tampa man charged with trying to provide material aid to ISIS https://t.co/8X6tD3AoGW
— Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) May 27, 2020
Al-Azhari began researching potential attack sites in the Tampa Bay area and planning attacks in support of ISIS. The Justice Department said he began acquiring multiple firearms in April 2020.
Al-Azhari spoke about the US imprisonment of Muslims, including ISIS fighters, and revenge for US military actions in the Middle East, including practicing speaking out during or in relation to his intentions, including plans to rehearsed part of the According to a press release, he is in support of ISIS.
According to press releases, Al-Azhari was documented in multiple interactions with FBI Undercover Employee (UCE) and CHS in April and May 2020.
He then tried to buy firearms from the UCE and met with CHS to try to “convert” them to Islam, according to the Justice Department. He also confided to CHS about Al-Azhari’s ties to ISIS and his plans to provide ISIS with material support.
Al-Azhari pleaded guilty in February.
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