Copyright M Live Michigan
DEARBORN, MI - A third Dearborn man has been arrested in what federal authorities say is an expanding ISIS-linked terrorism investigation, adding to a case that already resulted in two local men being charged earlier this week. Ayob Nasser, 19, of Dearborn, was taken into custody Wednesday, Nov. 5, and charged in an amended criminal complaint accusing him of conspiring to provide material support to ISIS and possessing firearms intended to further a terrorist act. Federal officials allege Nasser joined Mohmed Ali, 20, and Majed Mahmoud, 20, in encrypted discussions about carrying out violence in the name of the Islamic State. Nasser’s arrest comes just days after Ali and Mahmoud appeared in federal court in Detroit and were ordered to remain jailed until a detention hearing scheduled for Nov. 10. Prosecutors say the men acquired AR-style rifles, shotguns, handguns and tactical gear, and practiced at gun ranges as they discussed plans resembling ISIS-inspired attacks. “We will not stop. We will follow the tentacles where they lead. We will continue to stand guard with the FBI against terrorism,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. in a statement on Wednesday. Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, said agents are committed to “disrupt and dismantle any individuals or groups who threaten national security.” Additionally, federal officials confirmed that two men in New Jersey have also been arrested in connection with the broader inquiry, according to CNN. The suspects were reportedly part of the same encrypted online communication network, though officials say their discussions appeared to involve separate schemes rather than a coordinated plot. One New Jersey suspect, a 19-year-old, was arrested Tuesday at Newark Liberty International Airport after authorities say he accelerated his travel plans to Turkey, intending eventually to reach Syria to join ISIS. Details about the second New Jersey arrest have not yet been released.
