The Sunday News
Los Angeles — Two California men were charged on Friday with allegedly providing support to the Islamic State group, with one accused of trying to travel to the Middle East to join the Jihadists.Anaheim residents Muhanad Badawi and Nader Elhuzayel, both 24, were charged after investigators tracked their communications on social media and found messages claiming their support for ISIS.
Elhuzayel on 3 May tweeted his support for a failed attack by two gunmen on an exhibit of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed in Texas. The attackers were shot dead by police.
Elhuzayel praised one of the gunmen, Elton Simpson, as a “martyr”.
“Badawi and Elhuzayel used social media to discuss ISIS and terrorist attacks as well as expressing a desire to die as martyrs and made arrangements for Elhuzayel to leave the United States to join ISIS,” said the justice department.
Court documents said on 7 May Badawi allowed Elhuzayel to use his credit card to purchase a one-way airline ticket to Tel Aviv via Istanbul. He was scheduled to leave on 21 May and was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport.
Turkey is a popular entry point for people traveling to Syria to join the self-proclaimed Islamic State.
Badawi also suggested he planned to go to the region to join the fight.
The affidavit also tracked messages the pair posted on Twitter in support of militants.
They face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. — Reuters
