A 28-year-old man from Houston, Texas, has been taken into FBI custody for attempting to support ISIS and planning a terrorist attack on American soil. Anas Said was arrested at his apartment complex in Houston after authorities discovered his intentions to commit violent acts on behalf of the Islamic State.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams revealed that Said admitted to researching ways to conduct an attack on local military recruiting centers, offering his home as a sanctuary for ISIS operatives, and expressing his desire to carry out a '9/11-style' attack if he had the resources. He also attempted to produce ISIS propaganda.
Although Said's attorney mentioned that the indictment only alleges support for a terrorist group through the production of videos and propaganda, federal prosecutors have not charged him with plotting terror acts. Said has been on the FBI's radar since 2017 when he purchased stickers showing support for ISIS.
Despite being born in the U.S. and returning from Lebanon in 2014, Said began supporting the ISIS ideology in 2015. His family members expressed concerns about his activities, and analysis of his electronic devices revealed his efforts to create and disseminate propaganda glorifying ISIS's violence.
In a 2019 FBI interview, Said claimed to have stopped consuming radical Islamic propaganda and only used the internet for schoolwork and sports. However, recent information obtained from Meta Platforms, Inc. showed that he continued to support ISIS and its violent attacks through multiple Facebook accounts.
During a search warrant execution, Said allegedly refused to comply with FBI agents and smashed his cellphone. While his attorney stated that Said is passionate about protecting his Islamic religion and does not harbor animosity towards the U.S., the evidence against him suggests otherwise.
The FBI's swift action in arresting Said has potentially prevented a terrorist attack on U.S. soil, highlighting the importance of vigilance in combating extremist ideologies.
