Zachary Adam Chesser, Terror Support, Virginia 2010
WASHINGTON - In a shocking revelation, Zachary Adam Chesser, a 20-year-old from Fairfax County, Virginia, pleaded guilty to three federal charges, including threatening to harm writers from the popular TV show South Park, soliciting violent jihadis to kill US citizens, and attempting to provide material support to Al-Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
According to court documents, Chesser maintained several online profiles dedicated to propagating extreme jihadist ideology. On April 15, 2010, he took repeated steps to encourage violent jihadis to attack the South Park writers, including posting their home addresses and urging readers to "visit them." Chesser also published several speeches by Anwar Al-Awlaki, a US-designated Global Terrorist, which explained the Islamic justification for killing those who insult or defame Muhammad.
Furthermore, Chesser admitted to publishing the personal contact information of individuals who had participated in the "Draw Muhammad" event on Facebook, labeling it as "just a starting point." He also pleaded guilty to soliciting others to desensitize law enforcement by placing suspicious-looking packages in public areas, with the intention of using explosives once they were desensitized.
Chesser faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison when he is sentenced on February 25, 2011. The case is a result of a dedicated effort by law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, who worked tirelessly to bring Chesser to justice.
"The defendant attempted to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and used the Internet to incite violence," said David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. "Fortunately, his commitment to violence was overcome by the hard work of agents, prosecutors, and analysts who worked around the clock to bring this man to justice."
"Zachary Chesser put the lives of innocent people in grave danger, and they will remain at risk for many years to come," said Neil H. MacBride, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. "His solicitation of extremists to kill US citizens also made people across the country afraid to speak out, even in jest, for fear of being labeled an enemy who deserved to die. By pleading guilty today, Mr. Chesser reminded us of the grave threat that domestic jihadists pose to this country."
Chesser's actions demonstrate the dangers of online radicalization and the importance of vigilance in preventing terrorism. The case serves as a reminder that the FBI will not tolerate the use of the Internet to threaten, harm, or intimidate others.
Defendant: Zachary Adam Chesser
Criminal Charges: Providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, threatening to harm writers from South Park, and soliciting violent jihadis to kill US citizens
City and State: Fairfax County, Virginia
Exact Date: April 2010 (crime date), February 25, 2011 (sentencing date)
Sentence: 30 years in prison
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Terrorism
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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