US Air Force Veteran Found Guilty Of Trying To Join ISIS To Engage In 'Jihad'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A U.S. Air Force veteran charged with trying to join the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria group has been convicted in New York City.
A federal jury in Brooklyn returned its verdict Wednesday in the case against Tairod Pugh, of Neptune, New Jersey.
It was the first verdict to result from more than 70 cases the government has brought against U.S. citizens accused of trying to support the militant group. Some defendants across the country have pleaded guilty to charges.
"Pugh, an American citizen and former member of the U.S. Air Force where he served as an aircraft mechanic, attempted to travel to Syria to provide material support to ISIL," John P. Carlin, assistant attorney general for National Security, said in a statement. "This is the first conviction after a trial by jury in the United States involving an individual who attempted to travel to Syria to join ISIL, and further demonstrates our commitment to bring to justice all those who seek to provide material support to terrorists. I would like to thank all the members of law enforcement whose tireless efforts made this result possible."
Pugh traveled from Egypt to Turkey to cross the border into Syria to join ISIS on Jan. 10, 2015 in an effort to engage in "jihad." However, Turkish authorities denied the Air Force veteran entry and returned him to Egypt. At the time, Pugh was carrying a laptop computer and four USB thumb drives that were stripped of their plastic casings. He was also carrying solar power chargers, compasses and a black ski mask.
Foreign government officials deported Pugh to the U.S., where the FBI closely monitored him. A covert undercover employee encountered Pugh at JFK Airport, and he was eventually arrested on Jan. 16, 2015 in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
"As presented in trial, Tairod Nathan Webster Pugh was willing to become a martyr, using his U.S. military training as a weapon for ISIL," Diego Rodriguez, assistant director in charge of the FBI's New York Field Office, said in a statement. "Instead, found guilty of his crimes, he is facing a lengthy incarceration. We are pleased the jury found his actions confirmed his expressed desire to cause violence and destruction on behalf of this terrorist organization. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Forces continue to work globally with our partners to successfully stop such actions before they happen, keep communities safe and bring criminals to justice."
During the trial, the government introduced a letter written by Pugh where he declared he was a "Mujahid."
"I am a sword against the oppressor and a shield for the oppressed. I will use the talents and skills given to me by Allah to establish and defend the Islamic State. There is only 2 possible outcomes for me. Victory or Martyr," Pugh said in the letter.
During closing arguments Tuesday, defense lawyer Eric Creizman insisted Pugh had no ill intent when he flew to Turkey in January 2015.
Pugh was in the Air Force from 1986 to 1990, when he was trained to install and maintain aircraft engines and navigation and weapons systems.
Pugh faces up to 35 years in prison.
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