An American teenager has been arrested by the FBI after he allegedly tried to travel to Turkey to join the Islamic State terror group, officials said.
Mohammed Hamzah Khan, 19, a US citizen, was arrested at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on October 4 before he attempted to fly to Vienna, Austria, on his way to Turkey.
He was charged yesterday in a criminal complaint filed in US District Court with one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
According to FDI, law enforcement agents observed Khan passing through the security screening checkpoint at O'Hare's international terminal.
Federal agents then executed a search warrant at Khan's residence and recovered multiple handwritten documents that appeared to be drafted by Khan and/or others, which expressed support for ISIL, the affidavit alleges.
Some of those documents, including travel plans and materials referencing ISIL and jihad, are described in the complaint affidavit.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to the criminal complaint, Khan wrote to his parents before leaving for the Chicago airport he was leaving the United States and on the way to join ISIS.
In a three-page letter, he invited his family to join him, but warned them not to tell anyone about his travel plans.
His parents refused to comment, The Chicago Tribune said.
"As Khan was being led from the courtroom by deputy marshals, his father put his arm around Khan's weeping mother and sought to calm her," the daily said.
Mohammed Hamzah Khan, 19, a US citizen, was arrested at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on October 4 before he attempted to fly to Vienna, Austria, on his way to Turkey.
He was charged yesterday in a criminal complaint filed in US District Court with one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
Also Read
He appeared yesterday in US District Court in Chicago and remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Thursday.
According to FDI, law enforcement agents observed Khan passing through the security screening checkpoint at O'Hare's international terminal.
Federal agents then executed a search warrant at Khan's residence and recovered multiple handwritten documents that appeared to be drafted by Khan and/or others, which expressed support for ISIL, the affidavit alleges.
Some of those documents, including travel plans and materials referencing ISIL and jihad, are described in the complaint affidavit.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to the criminal complaint, Khan wrote to his parents before leaving for the Chicago airport he was leaving the United States and on the way to join ISIS.
In a three-page letter, he invited his family to join him, but warned them not to tell anyone about his travel plans.
His parents refused to comment, The Chicago Tribune said.
"As Khan was being led from the courtroom by deputy marshals, his father put his arm around Khan's weeping mother and sought to calm her," the daily said.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%