A dual U.S.-Albanian citizen faces serious charges for allegedly supporting ISIS and sharing bomb-making instructions, highlighting the ongoing threat of homegrown terrorism.
It looks like the ISIS threat has returned to American soil.
At a Glance
- Erald Alimehmeti, 33, arrested for attempting to support ISIS and sharing bomb-making instructions
- Charges include providing material support to ISIS and disseminating information for violent federal crimes
- Alimehmeti allegedly used encrypted messaging to recruit and share ISIS propaganda
- The suspect faces a maximum prison sentence of up to 40 years if convicted
- Case underscores the challenge of combating terrorism from individuals with dual citizenship
Arrest of Dual Citizen Exposes ISIS Support Network
Federal authorities have arrested Erald Alimehmeti, a 33-year-old Albanian national with U.S. citizenship, on charges of attempting to provide material support to ISIS and disseminating information related to explosives and weapons of mass destruction. The arrest sheds light on the persistent threat of homegrown terrorism and the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating support for extremist groups.
Alimehmeti, a former Bronx resident, allegedly used encrypted messaging services and social media platforms to distribute pro-ISIS propaganda, recruit potential members, and share bomb-making instructions. The Justice Department claims that Alimehmeti compiled and disseminated resources on mixing dangerous chemicals and creating explosives, demonstrating a clear intent to further ISIS’s violent agenda.
Pakistani National Charged for Plotting Terrorist Attack in New York City in Support of ISIS https://t.co/4i2bfUno0R @NewYorkFBI pic.twitter.com/NiszZ60mja
— FBI (@FBI) September 6, 2024
Extensive Criminal History and Terrorist Activities
The suspect’s criminal background spans two continents, revealing a pattern of violent behavior and extremist sympathies. Alimehmeti served prison sentences in Albania from 2015 to 2019 and again from 2020 to 2022 for weapons and assault offenses. Between these incarcerations, he allegedly engaged in extensive online activities supporting ISIS and planning potential attacks.
“As alleged, Erald Alimehmeti distributed—on pro-ISIS channels—dozens of instructional materials, including those he personally created, that describe handling firearms and making specific explosives. Alimehmeti also allegedly discussed planning and training for terrorist attacks on behalf of ISIS, provided instructions on how to spray explosives on innocent people, and went so far as to claim that ‘it’s time for a genocide’,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said.
Investigators uncovered disturbing evidence of Alimehmeti’s interest in conducting sniper-style attacks and his attempts to acquire tactical equipment for ISIS operations. The Justice Department revealed that he “described his work compiling resources on mixing dangerous chemicals and making explosives to a confidential source and discussed how to make specific types of incendiaries to spray at innocent bystanders in a terrorist attack.”
Law Enforcement’s Coordinated Response
The case against Alimehmeti is being handled by the National Security and International Narcotics Unit, with assistance from various law enforcement agencies. This coordinated effort underscores the seriousness of the threat posed by individuals supporting terrorist organizations from within the United States.
“Erald Alimehmeti not only allegedly attempted to provide material support to ISIS by trying to recruit and train who he believed to be like-minded individuals online, but also repeatedly shared multiple instructions on how to make explosives for use in a terrorist attack. Thankfully, due to the dedication and determination of the New York Joint Terrorism Force, Alimehmeti was stopped before he could further his evil aims,” FBI Assistant Director in Charge, James E. Dennehy said.
The charges against Alimehmeti carry a maximum prison sentence of up to 40 years, reflecting the gravity of his alleged crimes.
