Three American citizens are facing federal terrorism charges after allegedly pledging allegiance to ISIS, funneling money to support attacks on U.S. service members, and discussing violent plots against Americans, according to the Department of Justice.
Federal authorities arrested Bisaam Ghafoor, 21, of Leawood, Kansas, Elias Shamsaldeen, 21, of Porterville, California, and Bereen Dzayee, 25, of Lakeside, California, following a sweeping FBI counterterrorism investigation that spanned more than a year.
Prosecutors say the trio conspired to provide material support to ISIS, the Islamic State terror group, by sending more than $2,000 to someone they believed was an ISIS operative. The money was allegedly intended to help purchase drones, rocket-propelled grenades, and other equipment for attacks targeting American troops deployed overseas.
According to a criminal complaint filed in federal court in Kansas, the three men communicated through Discord chats, voice calls, and encrypted messaging platforms between February 2025 and June 2026. During those conversations, investigators say they pledged allegiance to ISIS and discussed ways to support the terrorist organization through money, manpower, and violence.
The allegations paint a chilling picture.
Federal prosecutors say Ghafoor openly fantasized about murdering U.S. troops, allegedly stating that he had “always wanted to kill a female soldier by beheading” and writing, “I wish I could kill 300,000,000 Americans.”
Investigators also say Ghafoor boasted that it would be “sick” if his name appeared on a drone used in an attack against Americans. According to court filings, his wish was partially fulfilled when his name was allegedly written on the projectile of a rocket-propelled grenade that was purportedly intended for an overseas attack on U.S. service members.
Shamsaldeen allegedly contributed money specifically earmarked for purchasing drones to be used in attacks against American military personnel. Prosecutors say he also expressed a desire to stab and injure a U.S. servicemember.
Dzayee, meanwhile, allegedly suggested that U.S. Special Forces should be among the targets of drone attacks. Multiple reports indicate Dzayee previously served in the U.S. Navy, adding another layer of betrayal to the case.
The FBI’s investigation began after authorities received tips regarding social media accounts that were allegedly promoting ISIS propaganda and pledging loyalty to the terrorist group. Investigators later introduced a confidential human source who posed as an ISIS member and communicated with the suspects for months.
According to the Justice Department, the men collectively sent cash and cryptocurrency payments to the undercover source, believing the funds would help finance ISIS operations overseas.
“Today’s arrest of three individuals who allegedly conspired to provide material support to ISIS makes clear our commitment to taking down terrorist networks — anywhere,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the suspects allegedly “swore allegiance to ISIS, plotted multiple attacks, and even targeted U.S. service members,” adding that federal agents “stopped them cold.”
All three defendants are charged with conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in federal prison.
The arrests come amid growing concerns among federal officials about homegrown radicalization and online recruitment efforts by foreign terrorist organizations. Authorities say the case underscores that ISIS remains capable of inspiring and directing support networks inside the United States years after losing control of its territorial caliphate.
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