California Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Aid ISIS
Ammaad Akhtar faces up to 20 years in prison for trying to funnel money, weapons, and equipment to the terrorist group.
A 34-year-old California man has pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to ISIS, the U.S. Justice Department announced Friday. Ammaad Akhtar faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Between February and June 2025, Akhtar engaged with an undercover officer whom he believed to be an ISIS member. During these communications, Akhtar expressed a desire to join ISIS and fight against “infidels,” according to the Justice Department. He also inquired about bomb-making instructions to target crowded events.
In June 2025, Akhtar met with the undercover agent and provided clothing, binoculars, $400 in cash, two loaded firearms with six additional magazines, and pledged his allegiance to ISIS.
Akhtar's sentencing is scheduled for February 26, 2027. The Justice Department has been active in prosecuting individuals for attempting to provide material support to terrorist organizations. In a separate but related note, the department has also warned election officials about potential legal repercussions leading up to midterm elections.