A 33-year-old man from Stockton, California, named Ammaad Akhtar, has been arrested and charged with trying to help ISIS, a group considered a foreign terrorist organization by the United States.
According to court papers, Akhtar had been talking online since February 2025 with someone he thought was a member of ISIS. But that person was actually working for law enforcement. During these conversations, Akhtar said he supported ISIS and believed in violent jihad. He also said he wanted to join ISIS overseas and fight with them.
Officials say Akhtar talked about sending money and weapons to ISIS. He was not just talking. He actually sent money more than once. In April 2025, he was told by the undercover officer that ISIS had used the money he sent to buy guns. Akhtar replied, “may Allah destroy our enemies,” and promised to send more money the same day.
Talks of Violence and Making Bombs Raise Red Flags
The conversations he had with the undercover agent were disturbing. He didn’t only want to support ISIS financially — he also said he wanted to carry out acts of violence himself.
According to federal investigators, Akhtar talked about attacking a specific person. Akhtar also asked how to build a homemade bomb, hoping to use it to cause an explosion at a crowded public event. He talked about wanting to “make a boom” and described his desire to die fighting non-believers. In his messages, he used the Arabic word “kuffar” to refer to those he intended to target.
This raised serious concerns for the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. His words suggested that he was not just a supporter of terrorism but was also planning violent actions inside the United States.
Akhtar Gave Guns, Cash, and Swore Loyalty to ISIS
The investigation reached its peak on June 23, 2025. That day, Akhtar met with someone he believed was an ISIS member. This person was actually an undercover employee working for the government.
During the meeting, Akhtar gave the undercover officer $400 in cash, two loaded guns, six extra magazines, binoculars, and clothing. Then, Akhtar took an oath known as bayat, which is a pledge of loyalty to ISIS.
That same day, Akhtar was arrested by federal agents. He has now been officially charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist group. If he is found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office. They received help from the FBI’s New York Field Office and the New York Police Department. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Wong and Trial Attorney Ryan D. White of the National Security Division.
Officials stress that these are just charges for now. Under U.S. law, Akhtar is considered innocent until proven guilty in court.
What Does “Material Support” Mean Legally?
In U.S. law, “material support” to a foreign terrorist organization includes any kind of help — not just money. This can be weapons, training, supplies, funding, or even services like communication help or transportation. It’s a federal crime under 18 U.S. Code § 2339B to knowingly provide such support to a group that the U.S. government lists as a terrorist organization.
In this case, prosecutors say Akhtar gave guns, money, and other items, and planned violence to support ISIS. Even if no attack actually happened, trying to provide help is still considered a serious offense under this law.