Federal prosecutors have charged a 21-year-old Texas man with attempting to provide material support to ISIS after he allegedly supplied bomb-making components to an undercover law enforcement officer he believed was affiliated with the terrorist group.
John Michael Garza Jr., of Midlothian, Texas, is facing a federal terrorism charge following an undercover operation that authorities say disrupted a potential attack. According to a Department of Justice (DOJ) news release, Garza provided explosive materials and instructions to an undercover FBI agent posing as an ISIS supporter.
“During the meeting, Garza described how to mix the components and offered to send an instructional video explaining how to build the bomb,” the DOJ said.
Garza first came to the attention of law enforcement in mid-October after an undercover New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer identified his social media activity. The DOJ said Garza followed multiple “pro-ISIS” accounts and had commented on content supporting the terrorist organization.
The undercover NYPD agent began communicating with Garza online. According to prosecutors, Garza “ascribed to ISIS ideology” and sent small amounts of cryptocurrency to the agent, believing the funds would be used to support ISIS causes and to purchase weapons.
Authorities say Garza was later introduced to another undercover agent, this time with the FBI, who was posing as an ISIS supporter. The two met in person on Dec. 22.
During that meeting, “Garza handed the FBI undercover [agent] several explosive components,” according to the DOJ. Prosecutors allege that Garza explained how to assemble the bomb, including mixing the materials and packing them with nails, and offered to send a video with step-by-step instructions.
“As alleged, Garza explained how to mix the ingredients and surround them with nails, and he offered to send the undercover an instructional bomb-building video,” the DOJ said.
Garza was arrested immediately following the meeting and charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. He is scheduled to appear in federal court Tuesday for a probable cause and detention hearing.
If convicted, Garza faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
“Today’s announcement underscores the FBI’s commitment to combating terrorism and demonstrates our continuous work to disrupt and thwart terrorist plots against the American public,” FBI Director Kash Patel said. “Let this serve as a warning to those who plan to conduct attacks against the United States on behalf of terrorist organizations — you will be brought to justice.”
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Forget about charging this sympathizer of terrorists. Send him to Gaza or wherever he THINKS he is communicating with ISIS at, and REVOKE citizenship.
It’s long over due to start getting serious about traitors to this country! Revoke and ban from re entry!
WHY SHOULD WE SUPPORT HIM IN JAIL………SEND HIM TO LIVE WITH THE PEOPLE HE WAS SUPPORTING WITH THE BOMB MAKING
DO ANY COMMENTS GET THRU YOUR BULLSH#T??
Charge him with Treason and carry out penalty.