An American who was radicalized by ISIS expressed excitement about traveling overseas to support the terrorist group, according to the FBI.
An undercover FBI agent reported that Alexander Justin White of North Carolina experiences a rapid heartbeat when he contemplates traveling for ISIS.
An individual from North Carolina was indicted for supporting ISIS by making plans to travel to Morocco in December 2024 to join the FTO, as per court documents.
It is alleged that Alexander Justin White, a 29-year-old man from Durham, used social media platforms such as Facebook and encrypted messaging apps (EMAs) to express support for ISIS and jihad, as well as to communicate with other ISIS supporters about his desire to join the FTO.
An undercover FBI agent posed as "Sulaiman Al-Amriki" in communications with White, who was unaware of the agent's true identity, authorities claimed.
The federal complaint alleges that WHITE openly discussed his intention to travel overseas and join ISIS with multiple individuals on Facebook and through EMAs.
The suspect's online conversations with different individuals, as well as his interactions with the FBI confidential human source and the FBI Online Covert Employee, reveal a longstanding intent and desire to join ISIS, which he had been preparing for and attempted on December 4, 2024. The suspect explicitly acknowledged ISIS as a designated FTO and frequently expressed concerns about being caught by law enforcement and the measures he was taking to evade capture.
When thinking about traveling for ISIS, White's heart would race with excitement.
In September 2024, an undercover agent questioned White about his willingness to kill members of the U.S. Military or other U.S. citizens. White allegedly responded, "If it was a family member, I would still fight back with them. There is no love for the homeland or this thing," according to the complaint.
A report alleges that the suspect possessed multiple firearms and was proficient in their use. A photo from July 2024 depicts White firing a gun at a range.
It seems that White reported experiencing intense dreams involving combat with ISIS alongside the agent.
The suspect, who had been in touch with an undercover agent online for months, eventually traveled to Morocco to support ISIS. He booked a flight from Raleigh to Rabat, Morocco, on Dec. 4, authorities said.
After checking into his flight and going through security at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, he tried to board the plane, leading to his arrest by federal agents, according to court documents.
Nearly $7,000 was seized from White on the day of his arrest, along with multiple firearms confiscated from his Durham apartment.
The FBI Director Christopher Wray stated in a Sunday interview with "60 Minutes" that ISIS supporters who inspire terrorist attacks from afar pose the most significant threat to national security, following the January 1 terrorist attack in New Orleans that resulted in the deaths of 15 people, including the Texas-born terrorist attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar.
"Wray stated that the guys being referred to radicalize in a matter of weeks, and their attack method, while still deadly, is relatively crude. He added that there are not many dots to connect when it comes to these individuals, and there is little time to do so."
Chris Locascio, White's attorney, was unavailable for comment.
us
You might also like
- In the Bryan Kohberger case, a judge in Idaho hears a defense motion regarding the murders.
- A fire broke out in Los Angeles County, prompting officials to issue evacuation orders.
- As fears of ICE raids intensify, a bustling Chicago district, often referred to as the "Mexico of the Midwest," has become a ghost town.
- Injured in a shooting at Antioch High School in Tennessee, three people were left in a lockdown.
- A German national who worked at the Pentagon during 9/11 was allegedly killed by a Vermont Border Patrol agent, according to the family.