An American man in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has been arrested for providing conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the ISIS terrorist organization.

As reported in the complaint filed in Middle District of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia for this case (I:15-MJ-81), Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz used Twitter to and other social media to promote attacks on the United States of America, including calls for the assassination of President Barack Obama, specifically for his beheading.  According to the complaint, Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz also promoted slavery of women, and stated that he was interested in buying a teenage Yazidi woman slave.  The complaint states that Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz pledged allegiance to the ISIS terrorist organization and to Abu bakr Al Baghdadi.   It states that Jalil Ibn Ameer Azi sought to promote violent attacks on the United States, and circulated a list of the names of addresses of U.S. military to urge attacks on them and their homes.  The complaint states that he called for the killing of Non-Muslims with a regular chant “KillAllKufar.”  In addition, the complaint states that he tried to make travel arrangements for individuals to travel to ISIS controlled territories.

Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz had 57 different Twitter accounts which he used to promote ISIS terrorist ideology and promote violence.  He also had what the authorities describe as a “tactical-style backpack” including “five M4-style high-capacity magazines loaded with 5.56 ammunition, a modified kitchen knife with the handle removed and wrapped in cloth or string, a thumb drive, a tin filled with various over-the-counter-medications, and a head wrap commonly referred to as a balaclava.”  He wrote “Pennsylvania have very light gun laws its very easy to arm yourself.”

Penn Live also reported that  Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz appeared in court on December 18, 2015: “A soft-spoken man, Aziz, who wore a gray long-sleeved T-shirt and gray sweat pants and sandals, accepted the counsel of assistant federal public defenders, Lori Ulrich and Heidi Freese during the proceeding. Carlson read the charges Aziz is facing to him. Aziz answered the judge in mostly ‘yes’ and ‘no’ statements during the hearing that lasted about 15 minutes. Carslson told Aziz he could face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000, followed by three years of supervised release, if found guilty of the charges the U.S. Attorney’s Office lodged against him.”

The complaint provides statements by Jeffrey D. Gruppo, a Special Agent with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency (“PFPA”) assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Joint Terrorism Task Force (“JTTF”) as Task Force Officer (“TFO”) , including the following statements:

“8. An investigation by the JTTF has revealed that AZIZ espouses violent
jihadist beliefs and is a fervent supporter of a foreign terrorist organization known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (“ISIL”). AZIZ uses social media to spread ISIL propaganda and to seek support for the terrorist group from individuals over the internet. AZIZ’s social media activity supports ISIL by radicalizing and recruiting others. AZIZ has conspired with others and attempted to facilitate the travel of other ISIL supporters to Syria so that they can become ISIL fighters. Furthermore, your affiant believes that AZIZ may be preparing to conduct or assist others in conducting an attack in the United States based on the discovery of a backpack containing numerous high-capacity weapons magazines, ammunition, a knife, and other survival items during a November 27, 2015 physical search of AZIZ’s residence. ”

“13. AZIZ has created and used at least 57 different Twitter accounts. It appears that Twitter routinely suspends AZIZ’s accounts due to the radical nature of his postings, which violate Twitter’s policies. AZIZ then responds by creating backup accounts or opening a new Twitter account with slightly different
variations of common user names that he uses. AZIZ frequently uses a variation of “Colonel Shami” as either his username, vanity name, or to refer to himself. AZIZ also commonly re-establishes contact with common associates of his on Twitter.”

“15. AZIZ commonly uses his Twitter accounts to spread pro-ISIL propaganda, including news from ISIL sources as well as execution photos and videos. Open sources revealed that AZIZ has also used his Twitter accounts to directly and indirectly advocate for violence, encourage individuals to provide monetary support for jihad, express his desire to make pilgrimage to ISIL- controlled territory, provide advice about how to travel inconspicuously, and facilitate others’ travel to fight for ISIL.”

“16. AZIZ has used Twitter to pledge allegiance to ISIL and its leader, al
Baghdadi. On or about June 29, 2014, AZIZ, using the Twitter account
@AnsarUmmah, posted “My bayah to sheikh Abu bakr Al Baghdadi.” [In this context the term “bayah” translates to allegiance].”

“17. AZIZ has used Twitter to advocate for violence. On or about January 8, 2015, AZIZ, using account @Ansara1Ummah8, tweeted “#KillAllKufar #KillAllKufar #KillAllKufar #KillAllKufar #KillAllKufar #KillAllKufar #KillAllKufar #Kill All Kufar.” [The term “kufar” translates to “infidels” and I believe is synonymous with “non-believers” in this context].”  (R.E.A.L. notes there are others still promoting this on Twitter.)

“18. On or about January 29,2015, AZIZ, using Twitter account @Colonel_Shami, D tweeted “#IS “Know O Obama, that we are coming to America and know that we will sever your head in the White House” “.” This post also included a picture of a masked militant about to behead an unknown soldier. The affiant believes that AZIZ was sharing ISIL messages and propaganda regarding threats against the United States.”

“19. On or about February 2015, AZIZ, using Twitter account @Ansara1Ummah13, posted or re-posted numerous Tweets, some of which advocated for violence in the United States. The Tweets appear to have been made in response to the shooting of three Muslim individuals in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on or about February 10, 2015. The Tweets are as follows:
a. On or about February 11, 2015, AZIZ retweeted from @abubritani3, “#usa will pay for #ChapelHillShooting we will make sure you don’t live in peace,”
b. Also on February 11, 2015 AZIZ tweeted “This martyrdom will be a spark that will awaken sleeping lions in America, let their blood watered the seeds of jihad.#ChapelHillShooting,” and “Dear moderates. Give up a life of
humiliation-kissing the boot of the kufaar oppressors for a life of liberation in #IS #ChappelHillMartyrs.”

“20. On or about April 16, 2015, AZIZ, using Twitter account @Ansara1Ummah2Bl tweeted “Perform your Islamic duty. Support the Jihad with your wealth. Surah Baqarah (2:195) RT & SHARE DM for more info.” Your affiant believes that AZIZ is encouraging others to provide funding to jihadi groups, most likely ISIL. Your affiant further believes that by asking potential funders to “DM,” AZIZ is encouraging funders to message him directly using Twitter. Twitter’s direct messaging function is private and messages sent using this function are only viewable to the participants in the conversation.”

“21. Law enforcement has confirmed that on or about March 21,2015, AZIZ, using Twitter account @Baqiyaah201S posted to Twitter account @_Qariban_ talking about how to covertly travel to the Islamic State and mask the intention of the travel. Using Twitter account @Baqiyaah201S, AZIZ tweeted the following, “Hmmm so if I want make hijrah to Islamic State just act like person who going there to do Civilians jobs?”. AZIZ then continued “…May Allah make our hijrah easy inshallah. Maybe one can go there as university student to study in Mosul University.”

“22. On or about March 21, 2015, AZIZ, using Twitter account @Baqiyaah201S, tweeted “Pennsylvania have very light gun laws its very easy to arm yourself.”

“23. On or about May 2, 2015, AZIZ, using Twitter account @Ansara1Ummah49, tweeted “”When can be like him?? [emoji] Pray for me to be with my bros and get a VISA to Jannathul firdouse.[emoji] Jazakallah khair ….” [The term “VISA to Jannathul firdouse” translates to “a visa to paradise (or heaven)”]. Your affiant believes that AZIZ is expressing his desire to gain entry to heaven by conducting jihad or becoming a martyr.”

“24. On the same day, AZIZ, using Twitter account @Ansara1Ummah49, and other Twitter users also discussed making “hijrah” [the term “hijrah” translates to “emigration,” but in some contexts, travel to land controlled by ISIL]. Twitter user @endoftdrms tweeted, “@Ansara1Ummah49 one day I will probably see colonel shami made hijrah.” AZIZ, using Twitter account @Ansara1Ummah49, responded “@endoftdrms [three smiling faces] inshallah akhi.” Based on the investigation, your affiant believes that “colonel shami” is an alias frequently used by AZIZ. Your affiant believes that AZIZ’s response suggests that he intends to travel to territory controlled by ISIL. On more than one occasion, AZIZ has declared his desire to travel to the “Islamic State.” Additionally, AZIZ has also expressed an interest in disguising the purpose of his travel, as discussed in paragraph 15.”

“25. On or about May 30, 2015, in response to a then upcoming Draw Mohammed event in Phoenix, Arizona, Twitter user @GhanimaHaqq [AZIZ] reposted from @NdangeredSpecie “I hope the brothers have nailbombs ready for those protesters. Kill them all.” ”

“26. On or about July 21, 2015, Twitter user @MuslimBruhO [AZIZ] carried on a Twitter conversation with other Twitter users about purchasing Yazidi women for slaves. For his part in the conversation, @MuslimBruhO [AZIZ] posted the following:

“@_I_I_I_I @Etimdz How much the yazidi women cost plus what’s there ages??”

“@Etimdz @_I_I_I_I I’m serious, I’m considering on buying one girl inshallah once I arrive in Islamic State loooool”

“@TheScimitar 107 @YesSirQadhi @Etimdz @_I_I_I_I I just want one girl 17yearsold”

“27. The affiant assesses that AZIZ was not only talking about purchasing a female slave, but also talked about traveling to the “Islamic State.” The reference to the “Islamic State” when used by ISIL supporters refers to the territory, mostly in Syria and Iraq, which is currently held by ISIL.”

“28. On or about July 24, 2015, @MuslimBruhO [AZIZ] posted a Tweet about desire to travel to the “Islamic State.” “@peace_seekerl @NdoSisi_ May Allah grant us a way to make hijrah to the Islamic State.” The affiant assesses that “hijrah” is a reference to traveling to an Islamic country, and in this instance AZIZ was again referring to the “Islamic State”, or ISIL territory.”

“29. Your affiant believes AZIZ is currently using Twitter accounts with a variation of”Islamic Analyst” in the name. On or about November 26, 2015, AZIZ, using @lslamicAnalyst5, tweeted, “Photo report [picture of a camera]: #IS sniper battalion in #Kirkuk .. #lslamicState #Iraq #ISIS Link: justpaste.it/p5yr pic.twitter.com/3je515n04q.” The links show multiple pictures of snipers in
various settings.”

“30. AZIZ has also used Twitter to spread ISIL propaganda that advocated for violence against United States military members. On or about March 21, 2015, AZIZ using Twitter account @Baqiyaah20 1s tweeted “Well, US military guys are f**cked IS hacker division just revealed 100 of their address photos n Intelloooool #Baqiyah.” On the same day, AZIZ also posted “Yep them US guys are pretty F**ked all right exuse my language …” This post also contained a photo of United States service members and their identifying information.”

“31. On or about March 21,2015, AZIZ using Twitter account @Baqiyaah201S tweeted “US Military Hacked by Islamic State Hackers […]100 Addresses of Military Personnel Leaked!\”.” This Twitter posting also included a hyperlink to the full document released by the “Islamic State Hacking Division.” The affiant has reviewed this release and affirms that it contains the names of 100 reported United States military members, their alleged addresses and other identifying information, and calls for violence against them.”

“32. AZIZ has been contacted by multiple individuals about traveling to the Islamic State. Your affiant believes this is due in large part to AZIZ’s efforts to promote himself in the on-line extremist community as someone who can facilitate travel on behalf of ISIL. AZIZ has also cultivated a reputation within this on-line extremist community as someone who has important travel facilitation contacts within ISIL. All travelers and travel facilitation contacts are identified as coconspirators. Unless otherwise noted, their identities are known to law enforcement.”

There are another 6 pages in the complaint of details about Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz working to coordinate travel to ISIS controlled areas.   There are five individuals referenced using pseudonyms to avoid alerting such ISIS terrorist supporters.

“40. On or about November 27, 2015, pursuant to a court-authorized search, law enforcement confirmed that there was a tactical-style backpack in AZIZ’s closet. A search of the backpack identified five M4-style high-capacity magazines loaded with 5.56 ammunition, a modified kitchen knife with the handle removed and wrapped in cloth or string, a thumb drive, a tin filled with various over-the-counter-medications, and a head wrap commonly referred to as a balaclava. The affiant believes this hood is a similar style worn by ISIL members to hide their identities.”

The FBI also reports on the arrest that:

A Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, resident was arrested today on charges of conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz, 19, a U.S. citizen, is charged in a two-count criminal complaint that was unsealed today in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania following his arrest. His initial appearance will be at 4:30 p.m. EST in Harrisburg.

The arrest was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Peter J. Smith of the Middle District of Pennsylvania and Special Agent in Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division.

“According to the allegations in the complaint, Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz 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 Carlin. “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. 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.”

“The charges in this case focus on Aziz’s efforts to assist persons seeking to travel to and fight for the Islamic State,” said U.S. Attorney Smith. “These charges are a testament to the perseverance and dedication of those who stand watch over our nation and a clear message that those who support terrorism—will face justice.”

“The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) will move with speed to detect and disrupt those who are involved in facilitation or operational planning in support of a terrorist organization. There is no difference between the two, and we will aggressively pursue every threat in order to protect our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Sweeney. “In this instance, Aziz operated quietly on behalf of the Islamic State and facilitated others looking to do the same.” Sweeney extended his appreciation to the Harrisburg-based members of FBI Philadelphia’s JTTF, and he encouraged anyone with concerns about suspicious behavior to contact appropriate authorities.

According to the complaint, Aziz has used at least 57 different Twitter accounts to advocate violence against the United States and its citizens, to disseminate ISIL propaganda and espouse pro-ISIL views. Aziz is alleged to have posted a hyperlink containing the names, addresses and other identifying information of 100 reported members of the U.S. military and calls for violence against them. Additionally, on at least three occasions, Aziz also allegedly used his Twitter accounts and other electronic communication services to assist persons seeking to travel to and fight for ISIL. In one instance, Aziz allegedly acted as an intermediary between a person in Turkey and several well-known members of ISIL. According to the allegations in the complaint, Aziz passed location information, including maps and a telephone number, between these ISIL supporters.

A prior search of a backpack located in Aziz’s closet identified five loaded M4-style high-capacity magazines, a modified kitchen knife, a thumb drive, medication and a balaclava.

A criminal complaint is only a charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, and the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Philadelphia JTTF. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Robert Sander and Adam L. Small of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daryl Bloom of the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Also as shown on Twitter there are also extremists who are calling for his release:

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As always, R.E.A.L. views that all are legally innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) stands in support of our universal human rights for all, and we stand in defiance against those, including terrorist and hate groups, which seek to attack such universal human rights, dignity, and security for all.

We cannot support human rights, if we also do not reject those who seek to rob our brothers and sisters in humanity of their lives and security, which are also our universal human rights.