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Harrisburg resident charged with providing support to ISIS

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Photo by Diana Robinson/Keystone Crossroads

The FBI raided this home in Harrisburg’s midtown neighborhood and eventually arrested 19-year-old Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz on charges of attempting to assist the terrorist group ISIS.

(Harrisburg) — The FBI is charging a Harrisburg resident with providing support to the terrorist group ISIS.

19-year-old Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz faces two criminal charges after he allegedly used 57 different twitter accounts to advocate for violence against the United States.

Proseuctors also say he posted a link to a page that showed names and addresses of about a hundred members of the U-S military and called for violence against them.

The criminal complaint alleges he also worked to connect people in Turkey interested in fighting for ISIS with leaders in the group.

The FBI says in a search of Aziz’s apartment, it found a backpack with five M4-style high-capacity magazines, a modified kitchen knife and a balaclava.

Aziz faces a preliminary hearing in federal court on December 23rd.

In a statement, Governor Tom Wolf says: “I commend the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Pennsylvania State Police, along with local law enforcement and other members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, for their efforts in apprehending this individual for his alleged efforts to aid ISIL.

“We understand that this individual is a U.S. citizen and his arrest is a reminder that we must remain vigilant, strong and focused on anyone here in the state who may seek to harm Pennsylvanians. I am proud of PSP’s ongoing efforts to protect Pennsylvania citizens.

“My administration is in constant communication with our law enforcement partners and will continue to assist in any way possible.”

Other statements from politicians:

Senator Bob Casey:

“I’m closely following reports that an individual from Harrisburg has been accused of aiding ISIS. This evening, I was briefed by a senior FBI official and will speak with other senior Administration officials and the Philadelphia office of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. I commend the FBI, particularly those in the Philadelphia Joint Terrorism Task Force, who investigated this case and made the arrest, as well as state and local law enforcement who supported their efforts.  Our nation must continue to remain vigilant to confront terrorism from ISIS or any other terrorist organization.”

Senator Pat Toomey:

“Today’s news about a Harrisburg man allegedly supporting ISIS is another wake-up call about the spread of violent Islamist extremism. I appreciate our law enforcement’s efforts to keep us safe. We must remain vigilant in the face of this mounting threat.”

Rep. Lou Barletta:

“I commend the FBI for their fine work in this case, which underscores what we know already about how the Islamic State prefers to conduct its business.  They will take advantage of those who sympathize with them, or have been radicalized, whether they are American citizens or new arrivals to this country.  ISIS has said, ‘American blood is the best, and we will taste it soon.’  And I believe them.

“There are so many gaping holes in our national security system that now is the worst time possible to be throwing open our doors, when we cannot know for sure who it is that we are letting in.  There are flaws in our screening process, problems with our visa programs, and serious failings in our refugee program.  I repeat my opposition to allowing Syrian refugees into the country – and Pennsylvania – while we still are unable to properly screen the applicants.  We should also be taking care to monitor social media channels, because we know it is the preferred method of communication for aspiring terrorists like the one captured today.

“Our law enforcement professionals did an exemplary job with this arrest, but it is a reminder that they must get it right every single time in order to keep Americans safe.  Terrorists only need to get it right once.”

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Photo by Diana Robinson/Keystone Crossroads

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