ISIS Sympathizer From NYC Arrested After Trying To Join Syrian Jihad, Feds Say

QUEENS, N.Y. – An ISIS sympathizer from Queens has been arrested as he tried to make his way to Syria to join the terrorist group, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Parveg Ahmed, 22, was arrested as he arrived at JFK Airport on Monday after being extradited him from an unnamed country bordering Syria, where ISIS has waged a violent civil war and plotted international terrorist attacks.

Ahmed allegedly travelled to Saudi Arabia in June, saying he wanted to celebrate an Islamic holiday but in fact planning to enter Syria, according to federal prosecutors.

“As we allege, Parveg Ahmed attempted to travel to Syria aligning himself with ISIS instead of his fellow Americans," William Sweeney, the FBI's Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York field office, said in a statement.

"Like others before him who chartered a similar path to join this violent terror group, Ahmed now finds his journey ends the same way – in a New York courtroom answering for his actions."

Feds said they found evidence of Ahmed's intent to join ISIS in a search of his electronic devices.

“[W]e have made it to Dawlatul Islam [ISIS] in Syria," Ahmed allegedly said in one message. "In Sha Allah [God willing] we will join the Jihad very soon and in Sha Allah [God willing] we will then join the ranks of the Shuhuda [martyrs]. The West has invaded the land of the Muslims and is constantly attacking it.”

Ahmed was expected to be arraigned in Brooklyn federal court Tuesday.

Lead image by bloomsberries via Flickr.