CHARLESTON, S.C. – Ala Aldeen Alshaikh, 31, of Goose Creek, is facing serious federal charges after a grand jury indictment revealed a pattern of deception regarding his connections to the terrorist organization ISIS. Alshaikh was taken into custody this morning, accused of lying to federal officials and attempting to cover up his tracks.
The indictment details how Alshaikh, a Sudanese national, allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS in August 2021 – just weeks before applying for U.S. citizenship in September of that same year. During his citizenship interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, he reportedly denied any association with terrorist groups. He doubled down on this denial on a written immigration form in preparation for his naturalization ceremony a year later. However, investigators allege Alshaikh made online statements in October and November 2021 that directly contradicted his claims, indicating a continued connection with ISIS and even discussions about a potential attack on a United States Embassy.
The lies didn’t stop there. According to the indictment, Alshaikh, possessing experience in the aviation industry, falsely told an FBI agent in January 2025 that he had never offered to share his expertise with any militant group. In reality, he allegedly offered to mobilize and share his aviation skills with the Al-Bara Ibn Malik Brigade. This is a man who actively sought to provide assistance to extremist organizations while simultaneously attempting to become an American citizen, officials say.
But Alshaikh’s alleged attempts to conceal his activities didn’t end with false statements. The indictment further alleges that he actively destroyed evidence related to his online communications after becoming aware of the federal investigation. This deliberate attempt to obstruct justice adds another layer of severity to the charges he now faces. The FBI Columbia Joint Terrorism Task Force has been investigating the case.
Alshaikh faces a potential prison sentence of between five and 20 years, depending on the outcome of the trial. He was arraigned this morning, and a detention hearing is scheduled for September 19 at 10 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary Gordon Baker. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Lietzow and Everett McMillian are prosecuting the case, with support from Trial Attorney Kevin C. Nunnally of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section.
It is crucial to remember that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and Alshaikh is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops, providing updates on this alleged betrayal of trust and threat to national security.
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Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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