The FBI conducted arrests in Kansas City, Kansas, and in San Diego and Sacramento, California. Three individuals were apprehended on charges related to a conspiracy to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a recognized foreign terrorist organization.
The arrested individuals are Bisaam Ghafoor, 21, of Leawood, Kansas; Elias Shamsaldeen, 21, of Porterville, California; and Bereen Dzayee, 25, of Lakeside, California. According to a legal complaint filed in the District of Kansas, the trio allegedly conspired to offer material support to terrorism. This included financial contributions exceeding $2,000 directed to an individual they believed to be affiliated with ISIS.
The complaint details various communications among the suspects in which they discussed violent attacks and their intentions to use drones and other weapons against U.S. servicemembers. Ghafoor allegedly expressed a desire for his name to be inscribed on a projectile used for attacks. Dzayee suggested targeting U.S. Special Forces, and Shamsaldeen voiced interest in attacking and injuring a U.S. servicemember.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the government’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks, stating that those who conspire for violent acts against the U.S. would face legal repercussions. FBI Director Kash Patel also commented, highlighting the efficacy of the FBI’s efforts in preventing potential attacks and safeguarding American citizens.
Collaboration in Law Enforcement
The investigations were supported by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces in Kansas City, San Diego, and Sacramento, alongside assistance from additional FBI offices in Richmond and Newark. U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser for the District of Kansas urged citizens to report any suspicious activities, reinforcing the need for vigilance amidst the threat of domestic terrorism.
Legal Proceedings
Prosecutors for the case include Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the District of Kansas and Trial Attorneys from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. It is important to note that an indictment is a preliminary allegation, and all defendants maintain the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law.
The arrests of Ghafoor, Shamsaldeen, and Dzayee underline the continued vigilance of law enforcement agencies in countering domestic threats associated with terrorism. The collaborative efforts among multiple agencies reflect a unified approach in tackling potential risks to national security. The legal process will now determine the outcomes for the accused individuals.