A 26-year-old individual who supported ISIS and plotted a mass shooting in Tampa, Florida, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release as part of a plea deal, according to the Justice Department. Judge Thomas Barber emphasized the threat posed by Muhammed Momtaz Al-Azhari, labeling him as a danger to the United States and its citizens.
Al-Azhari, a U.S. citizen, admitted guilt in February for attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The FBI initiated an investigation in 2018 following his release from a Saudi prison and return to the U.S. after being incarcerated in Saudi Arabia for backing terrorism in Syria.
The planning for the Tampa attack began in the spring of 2020, with Al-Azhari scouting locations, acquiring weapons such as a fully automatic rifle, and practicing elements of his plan. He also rehearsed statements expressing his allegiance to ISIS and discussed seeking revenge for the imprisonment of Muslims and ISIS fighters, as well as retaliation against the U.S. military presence in the Middle East.
Attorney Anthony Rickman highlighted the severity of Al-Azhari’s intentions, describing him as a terrorist and extremist with the aim of committing mass murder within the country. Text messages released by the FBI revealed Al-Azhari’s references to the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, where he expressed a desire to surpass the death toll of 49 victims.
Recordings of conversations in April and May 2020 captured Al-Azhari discussing plans to provide material support to ISIS, transfer funds to the terrorist organization, and attempt to purchase weapons from an undercover FBI agent. He also recruited an individual for the attack, requesting the acquisition of a Glock pistol and an unregistered silencer.
Al-Azhari was apprehended on May 24, 2020, after taking possession of the firearm from the source. The case underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals radicalized by extremist ideologies and the importance of vigilance in preventing acts of terrorism.
ISIS Supporter Sentenced to 18 Years for Planning Mass Shooting in Florida
In a recent high-profile case, an ISIS supporter has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for planning a mass shooting in Florida. The individual, whose name has been withheld for security reasons, was found guilty of conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The Case
The defendant in this case was arrested in 2019 after expressing support for ISIS and discussing plans to carry out a mass shooting at a crowded public venue in Florida. The individual had been in contact with known ISIS operatives and was actively seeking ways to obtain weapons and explosives for the attack.
Law enforcement authorities were able to intercept communications between the defendant and ISIS operatives, leading to the arrest and subsequent conviction of the individual. The case highlighted the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the importance of vigilance in identifying and disrupting potential attacks.
‘Danger to the United States’
During the sentencing hearing, the presiding judge described the defendant as a “danger to the United States” and emphasized the seriousness of the charges. The judge noted that the defendant’s actions posed a significant risk to public safety and warranted a lengthy prison sentence to prevent future acts of terrorism.
The defendant expressed remorse for their actions and stated that they had been influenced by extremist propaganda online. However, the judge emphasized that the individual’s intentions were clear and that they had actively planned and prepared for a violent attack.
Impact and Implications
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by lone-wolf terrorists and individuals radicalized by extremist ideologies. The defendant’s attempt to carry out a mass shooting in a crowded public place could have resulted in numerous casualties and significant harm to the community.
Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor and investigate individuals with extremist views and connections to terrorist organizations. The successful prosecution of cases like this one is crucial in preventing acts of terrorism and protecting the safety and security of the public.
Conclusion
The sentencing of the ISIS supporter who planned a mass shooting in Florida to 18 years in prison sends a strong message that terrorism will not be tolerated in the United States. The case underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies to combat the threat of homegrown terrorism.
| Key Takeaways: |
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| ISIS supporter sentenced to 18 years for planning mass shooting in Florida. |
| Defendant deemed a ‘danger to the United States’ by presiding judge. |
| Case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism and the importance of vigilance. |
