A 21-year-old man from Texas is facing serious federal charges after authorities allege he attempted to provide material support to the Islamic State group, commonly known as ISIS.
Undercover Sting Leads to Arrest
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the charges on Monday, following a detailed undercover operation. John Michael Garza Jr. from Midlothian, Texas, is accused of supplying bomb-making components and money to individuals he thought were members of the terrorist organisation.
The investigation began when an undercover employee with the New York City Police Department identified a social media account operated by Garza that followed several pro-ISIS profiles. Messaging between the pair started in October, during which Garza reportedly stated he "ascribed to the ISIS ideology."
Cryptocurrency and Explosives Provided
Authorities state that in November and December, Garza sent small amounts of cryptocurrency to the undercover employee, allegedly believing the funds were destined for ISIS. The operation culminated on 22 December when Garza met with an undercover FBI agent he believed was an "ISIS brother."
During that meeting, Garza is accused of handing over materials for constructing explosives and describing how to mix them. He also offered to share an instructional video on bomb-making. Garza was arrested shortly after leaving the encounter.
Potential Prison Sentence and Official Response
Garza made his initial court appearance on 23 December in the U.S. District Court for Northern Texas. A probable cause and detention hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, where federal prosecutors were expected to present their evidence. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in a federal prison.
In a statement, FBI Director Kash Patel said: "Today’s announcement underscores the FBI’s commitment to combatting terrorism and demonstrates our continuous work to disrupt and thwart terrorist plots against the American public. Let this serve as a warning." No attorney was immediately listed for Garza in court records.
