HOUSTON – Key Takeaways:

• Anas Said arrested on federal support charges ISIS and planning attacks in the US

• Said was involved in the creation and dissemination of ISIS propaganda and managed numerous social media accounts promoting the group.

• He has planned attacks targeting US military personnel and specific Israeli sites, and has expressed intent to kill those who support Israel.

• Said’s arrest followed a confrontation with FBI agents.

A Texas man has been arrested on federal charges of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.ISIS).

Propaganda, threats and online activity

FBI Anas Said28 says the terrorist group creates and spreads ISIS propaganda, including videos and images glorifying acts of violence.

Said, who lived in Houston, was a fan of ISIS ideology and even attempted to travel to join the group, according to court documents.

Said managed 11 Facebook accounts supporting ISIS and its violent attacks.

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Targeting the US Military and Israelis

The FBI said he was planning potential attacks targeting specific Israelis and locations within the United States.

Court documents revealed that Said talked about plans to buy a gun, scout a location in Houston, and target members of the U.S. military to determine whether they supported Israel or served in places like Afghanistan or Iraq.

He said he would kill them if their answer was ‘yes’.

Conspiring against local Jewish organizations

Said is also accused of investigating a Jewish organization that supports Israel in the Houston area. His initial plan was to put up a leaflet urging them to stop, but if that didn’t work he considered posing as a donor to meet with the head of the organization and attack them if necessary.

He conducted research to understand the layouts and security measures of other Jewish venues, such as synagogues and the Israeli Consulate.

History of FBI interactions

Said found himself on the FBI’s radar in 2017 when he purchased two stickers featuring ISIS-related imagery. While being interviewed by the FBI, he admitted to supporting the group and consuming extremist content. However, he claimed that he no longer held these views.

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Online extremism continues despite previous FBI warning

In 2023, authorities discovered that Said had continued to engage in pro-ISIS activities online, including creating and sharing extremist content on encrypted messaging platforms, as recently as the week of his arrest.

He had also established connections with other ISIS supporters, including a prominent figure known as “The Designer.”

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‘Tanger tantrum’ arrest

Said’s arrest took place some time later. tense encounter With FBI agents. During the operation, agents approached Said and his brother in the parking lot of an apartment complex. When the agents asked them to come down, his brother complied. Said resisted and first threw his phone, then slammed it on the ground in anger. He tried to escape, but agents were able to arrest him before he escaped.

Interviews conducted after his arrest revealed his deep-rooted loyalty to ISIS and his willingness to resort to violence.

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Said’s lawyer Baldemar Zuniga said, “We are currently focusing our attention on the allegations in the indictment, allegations that revolve around providing material support to the terrorist organization by producing videos and propaganda solely for ISIS.” “Despite allegations that my client made statements to government officials regarding proposed terrorist acts, the indictment does not allege any terrorist planning or acts at this time. “This appears to be a lengthy investigation and it will take some time to review all the evidence.”

Anas Said is currently in custody and faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible maximum fine of $250,000 if convicted.