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Seattle Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS
A Washington man was arrested on May 28, 2021 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on criminal charges related to his alleged efforts to join Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, in order to engage in violent acts of terrorism in the Middle East or the United States.
Elvin Hunter Bgorn Williams, 20, of Seattle, was arrested as he prepared to board an international flight following a lengthy investigation into his efforts to join ISIS.
According to court documents, Williams was arrested for attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
“As alleged, Williams was determined to support ISIS either by traveling overseas to join and fight with the terrorist organization, or by conducting an attack here in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers for the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
“The FBI was just as determined to stop him, and he was intercepted as he tried to make his way abroad. The threat of terrorism at home and abroad remains, and the National Security Division is committed to holding accountable those who would provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations. I want to thank the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this case,” said Demers.
Williams was using mosque-provided electronic devices to engage in online chats with ISIS radicals and to view ISIS propaganda videos of beheadings and other acts of violence. In November 2020, Williams allegedly swore an oath of allegiance to ISIS. The mosque had attempted to provide support and guidance to Williams, but members became aware he was deeply involved in ISIS propaganda.
Using confidential sources close to Williams, the FBI monitored his activity and became aware of his efforts to travel to the Middle East and join ISIS. Williams expressed to his associates that if he could not travel overseas, he would commit an attack in the U.S. on behalf of ISIS. Williams began communicating with those he believed were ISIS recruiters who could get him to an ISIS terror cell in the Middle East or other parts of the world.
Williams’ efforts to join ISIS were ultimately thwarted by the FBI and its law enforcement partners. His case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by foreign terrorist organizations to the Homeland.
“Today’s announcement should serve as a warning that the FBI is determined to see justice served upon those who would attempt to support terrorist organizations and acts of violence against the United States at home and abroad,” stated Acting Assistant Director Patrick Reddan Jr. of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division.
In early May 2021, Williams booked airline travel, leading to his arrest at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The details of his current status are not publicly available.
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Violent Crime|Terrorism
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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