Air Force Vet Tairod Pugh Gets 35 Years for ISIS Attempt

Former U.S. Air Force member Tairod Pugh was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and obstruction of justice, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Pugh, a former aircraft mechanic, served in the U.S. Air Force before trying to travel to Syria to join ISIS. He was arrested after being denied entry into Turkey by Turkish authorities, who returned him to Egypt.

Acting United States Attorney Bridget M. Rohde emphasized that Pugh’s actions were an attempt to betray his country and military service. ‘The defendant turned his back on his country, and the military he once served, to attempt to join a brutally violent terrorist organization,’ said Rohde.

Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana Boente highlighted the government’s commitment to holding individuals accountable who seek to support foreign terrorist organizations. ‘We are committed to bringing to justice all those who seek to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations,’ said Boente.

Assistant Director-in-Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office William F. Sweeney Jr. noted the importance of law enforcement collaboration in preventing acts of terrorism. ‘Today’s sentencing should send a strong message to those who seek to support terrorists groups — they will face serious consequences for their actions,’ said Sweeney.

New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill emphasized the ongoing efforts to protect New York City from those seeking to harm it. ‘The defendant broke his oath to defend our nation and instead made repeated attempts to join ISIL on the battlefield of Syria,’ said O’Neill.