Columbus Man Cuffed for Trying to Fund ISIL

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Aaron Travis Daniels, 20, also known as Harun Muhammad and Abu Yusef, was arrested at John Glenn International Airport today as he attempted to flee the country to join the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Daniels was taken into custody by agents of the Southern Ohio Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) just before boarding a flight from Columbus to Houston, Texas, with a final destination of Trinidad — a planned stepping stone to Libya, where he intended to link up with ISIL operatives. The criminal complaint alleges he wired $250 in January 2016 to an intermediary for Abu Isa Al-Amriki, a deceased ISIL recruiter and external attack planner.

According to court documents, Daniels used aliases Muhammad and Yusuf to create email accounts and a social media profile, through which he expressed commitment to violent overseas jihad. He allegedly communicated directly with an undercover FBI employee, stating his intent to travel abroad and join terrorist ranks. Investigators say the messages left no doubt about his allegiance.

Daniels purchased a one-way ticket on November 5 for a flight scheduled to depart Columbus today. JTTF agents moved swiftly, arresting him at the terminal before he could board. U.S. Magistrate Judge Terence P. Kemp ordered Daniels held without bond following his initial appearance.

The case will now be presented to a federal grand jury, which has 30 days to decide whether to return an indictment. If convicted of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, Daniels faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison — a penalty mandated by Congress, though actual sentencing would be determined by a judge.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary B. McCord and U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman of the Southern District of Ohio praised the JTTF’s coordinated effort. The investigation involved the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Columbus Division of Police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and several local agencies. Prosecution is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica W. Knight, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Gibson, and Trial Attorneys Michael Dittoe and Taryn Meeks of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.