Texas man accused of supporting ISIS charged in federal court

2025-04-20 09:15:31 source: category:News

HOUSTON (AP) — A Texas man charged with trying to provide material support to the Islamic State group and planning violent attacks in Houston appeared in federal court Thursday.

Anas Said is accused of offering his home as a safe sanctuary for members of ISIS and saying he wants to take part in a terrorist attack like 9/11, according to court records. Federal prosecutors allege Said had spent time planning and discussing committing attacks in Houston, where he lived, and had used the internet to research how to make explosives and use cellphones as remote detonators.

“He has created videos extolling the ‘virtue’ of ISIS, the violence and death brought by ISIS, and the need for the terror perpetrated by ISIS to continue,” according to court documents. “He is dedicated to his mission to provide material support to ISIS in whatever form that may take.”

Said, 28, was arrested last week and on Thursday pleaded not guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. Said, who authorities said was born in Houston but spent part of his childhood in Lebanon, will remain in federal custody.

RELATED COVERAGE MLB will air local games for Cincinnati Reds next season Houston looking to back up big win against an Arizona team looking for answers L.J. Cryer scores 16, No. 4 Houston beats Jackson State 97-40 to extend home win streak

Said has been on the FBI’s radar since 2017, said Douglas Williams Jr., special agent in charge of the FBI’s Houston office.

“To those wannabe terrorists who believe they can hide behind encrypted apps or anonymous social media profiles, please understand that we will find you and we will hold you to account,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani.

Baldemar Zuniga, Said’s attorney, said in a statement that the allegations against his client revolve around providing support to ISIS only through videos and propaganda.

“Despite allegations that my client made statements to government agents regarding proposed terrorist acts, the indictment does not currently allege any planning, or acts of terrorism. This appears to be a lengthy investigation and it will take some time to sift through all of the evidence,” Zuniga said.

If convicted, Said faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

More:News

Recommend

Jury finds man guilty of sending 17-year-old son to rob and kill rapper PnB Rock

COMPTON, Calif. (AP) — A Los Angeles County jury on Wednesday found a man guilty of sending his 17-y

Court officer testifies after Peter Navarro seeks mistrial following guilty verdict

In a rare post-trial hearing, a court security officer testified before the judge overseeing former

Poccoin: Cryptocurrency Payments, the New Trend in the Digital Economy

As cryptocurrencies continue to evolve, cryptocurrency payments are becoming the new trend in the di