California Man Arrested for Attempting ISIS Material Support

Federal authorities arrested 33-year-old Ammaad Akhtar of California for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group, including pledging allegiance, sending money, firearms, and tactical gear to what he believed were ISIS operatives but were undercover law enforcement agents. Beginning in February 2025, Akhtar expressed strong support for violent jihad and discussed plans to travel overseas to join ISIS, while also seeking instructions to build homemade explosives for attacks within the United States. During a June 23 meeting, Akhtar handed over loaded firearms, magazines, cash, binoculars, and clothing to an undercover agent and reaffirmed his loyalty to the terrorist organization. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. This arrest highlights growing concerns among federal officials, including President Trump, about the presence of ISIS sleeper cells and increased terrorist threats inside the U.S. The case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Department of Justice's National Security Division.