Federal authorities announced the arrests of three U.S. citizens on Friday, June 5, following a year-long investigation into an alleged plot to provide material support to the Islamic State (ISIS). The Department of Justice stated that the individuals are accused of conspiring to finance and encourage attacks against American military personnel deployed overseas. The arrests occurred in separate operations conducted in Kansas and California.
"This administration has put terrorists, cartels, and gangs on notice. Today’s arrest of three individuals who allegedly conspired to provide material support to ISIS makes clear our commitment to taking down terrorist networks." — Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General
The defendants have been identified as Bisaam Ghafoor, 21, of Leawood, Kansas; Elias Shamsaldeen, 21, of Porterville, California; and Bereen Dzayee, 25, of Lakeside, California. According to court documents, investigators uncovered an online network of alleged ISIS supporters who communicated through encrypted messaging platforms and various social media channels.
Prosecutors allege that from at least February 2025 through June 2026, the three men engaged in online communications expressing support for ISIS, formally pledged allegiance to the terrorist organization and its leadership, and provided financial assistance intended to fund attacks targeting U.S. service members. The criminal complaint indicates that the defendants collectively transferred more than $2,000 to an individual they believed to be associated with ISIS. These funds were allegedly earmarked to assist operations involving drones and other weaponry that could be utilized against American forces stationed abroad.
Further details from the complaint outline a series of online conversations where the defendants allegedly discussed violence against U.S. military personnel and civilians. Ghafoor is accused of expressing support for attacks on Americans, reportedly stating it would be "sick" if his name were inscribed on a drone used in an attack. He also allegedly expressed a desire to kill U.S. soldiers and made statements supporting large-scale violence against Americans. Dzayee allegedly suggested that U.S. Special Forces personnel should be targeted in drone attacks, while Shamsaldeen reportedly discussed harming American servicemembers and showed interest in participating in violent acts on behalf of ISIS.
The investigation also uncovered discussions among the defendants regarding the creation of a cryptocurrency-based fundraising operation. This operation was allegedly intended to purchase weapons and military equipment for ISIS. Federal authorities claim that Ghafoor’s name was ultimately placed on ammunition intended for use in an overseas attack against American forces. Shamsaldeen is also accused of providing financial resources specifically to purchase drones that could be used against U.S. servicemembers stationed abroad. The three men allegedly discussed traveling overseas to join ISIS and repeatedly expressed a willingness to fight and die for the terrorist organization.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche praised federal investigators for their work in disrupting the alleged plot before any attacks could materialize. In a statement, Blanche affirmed, "This administration has put terrorists, cartels, and gangs on notice. Today’s arrest of three individuals who allegedly conspired to provide material support to ISIS makes clear our commitment to taking down terrorist networks."
FBI Director Kash Patel echoed these sentiments, describing the arrests as another instance of law enforcement preventing terrorist violence. Patel stated, "These subjects allegedly swore allegiance to ISIS, plotted multiple attacks, and even targeted U.S. service members."
The charges against the three individuals stem from conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, a serious offense under federal law. If convicted, each defendant faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and fines reaching $250,000. The Justice Department underscored that these allegations remain accusations, and all three defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
