Federal authorities have arrested three men accused of conspiring to provide material support to the terrorist group ISIS and discussing plans to carry out attacks inside the United States, including targeting US service members, according to court documents and the Department of Justice.
The arrests were announced Friday and involve suspects in Kansas and California. Prosecutors say the investigation uncovered online communications, financial transfers, and alleged expressions of intent to support violent acts tied to ISIS.
Arrests
The FBI identified the suspects as 21-year-old Bisaam Ghafoor of Leawood, Kansas, 21-year-old Elias Shamsaldeen of Porterville, California, and 25-year-old Bereen Dzayee of Lakeside, California.
All three were arrested Friday and are charged with conspiring to provide material support to ISIS, which is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States.
According to investigators, the men believed they were communicating with an ISIS supporter. In reality, prosecutors say they were in contact with a confidential FBI source and an undercover employee.
Allegations
Court filings allege the trio sent more than $2,000 to the confidential source, believing the funds would be used to purchase drones and rocket-propelled grenades for attacks intended to kill Americans.
The Department of Justice said the men exchanged messages between February 2025 and June 2026 discussing multiple ways to support ISIS, including providing money, services, and personnel. Prosecutors allege the men pledged allegiance to ISIS and its leader through online platforms such as Discord and encrypted messaging services.
Authorities say Dzayee, who previously served in the US Navy, suggested that drone attacks should target US Special Forces. Shamsaldeen allegedly discussed wanting to stab or injure a US service member, while Ghafoor allegedly expressed a desire to kill a female US soldier.
In one alleged message cited by prosecutors, Ghafoor said he wished he could kill millions of Americans. Investigators also allege he asked how many people an attack might kill and suggested it would be meaningful for his name to be written on a weapon used in an attack.
Evidence
An image included in the criminal complaint showed three rocket-propelled grenades and several firearms in the bed of a pickup truck. Prosecutors said the image was sent to the suspects by the confidential source as part of the investigation.
One of the RPGs reportedly had Arabic writing that prosecutors say translated to Ghafoor’s name.
Investigators allege the suspects transferred funds through cryptocurrency and cash transactions arranged with the confidential source.
Search
Authorities executed an arrest operation at Dzayee’s home in Lakeside early Friday morning. Neighbors told a local NBC affiliate they observed law enforcement vehicles and tactical officers surrounding the residence.
One neighbor described the scene as unusual for the area, saying residents watched from a distance as officers conducted the arrest.
Response
FBI Director Kash Patel said the arrests demonstrate efforts to disrupt potential attacks before they occur.
“The success of this operation shows the FBI’s continued focus on stopping terrorist plots before they can be carried out,” Patel said in a statement.
US Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser for the District of Kansas said collaboration across agencies was critical to the investigation.
“The only way to root out and prevent terrorism plots is through coordination among law enforcement at all levels,” Kriegshauser said.
Next Steps
The defendants are expected to make initial court appearances in federal court. Prosecutors have not disclosed whether additional suspects are being investigated.
Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
FAQs
Who was arrested in the case?
Three men from Kansas and California were arrested.
What are they accused of?
Conspiring to provide material support to ISIS.
Did the alleged plot involve real ISIS members?
No, authorities say the suspects spoke to FBI sources.
Was anyone harmed?
No attacks occurred, according to investigators.
What happens next?
The suspects will face federal court proceedings.
