Western New York Man Arrested For Allegedly Attempting To Support ISIS
BUFFALO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Authorities in western New York have arrested a 44-year-old man on a charge of attempting to support the Islamic State group.
Authorities were tipped off by a resident who heard Arafat Nagi talking about his jihadi beliefs, U.S. Attorney William Hochul said at a news conference Wednesday morning in Buffalo.
"Allegations that Nagi espoused violent jihad and that he did constitute a threat to those of us in the United States," Hochul said.
Feds: Western New York Man Tried To Support ISIS Group
Nagi is due in court later Wednesday to face a charge of attempting to support a terrorist organization. Authorities said his social media posts and travel records were checked out as part of the investigation.
Nagi traveled twice to Turkey within the past three years with the intention of joining ISIS, Hochul said.
"The complaint alleges that Nagi purchased numerous items of military combat gear, including night-vision goggles," Hochul said.
Other items included a tactical vest, army combat shirt, body armor, Shahada flag, combat boots, backpack, burn kit, a hunting knife and machete, Hochul said.
Police executed a search warrant Wednesday morning at Nagi's home in the city of Lackawanna.
"Our continuing fight against international terrorism today returns to Western New York," Hochul said in a statement. "As alleged, Arafat Nagi pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and the leader of this terrorist organization."
If convicted, Nagi faces up to 15 years in prison.
The arrest comes after several people in the Tri-State area were accused of attempting to join ISIS or, failing that, plotting to commit terrorist attacks here at home.
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