Former New York resident arrested over plan to support ISIS

SUMMARY

Erald Alimehmeti, a 33-year-old Albanian man with U.S. dual citizenship, was arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS and distributing instructions on making explosives, according to the Department of Justice. Alimehmeti, a former New York City resident, had served time in Albanian prisons between 2015-2019 and 2020-2022 for weapons and assault charges. The DOJ alleges that Alimehmeti used online accounts to research "D.C. Sniper"-style attacks and procure tactical gear, knives, and magazine pouches to support ISIS operations. He also reportedly discussed modifying an automatic rifle. If convicted, Alimehmeti faces up to 20 years in prison for supporting ISIS and another 20 years for distributing information about explosive devices. This arrest is part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, with U.S. authorities recently charging other individuals for plotting ISIS-related attacks, including a bomb threat against the New York Stock Exchange.