A Michigan man, Aws Mohammed Naser, age 37, has been convicted by a federal jury for attempting to support a violent terrorist group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and for illegally possessing a destructive device. Naser, previously of Westland, Michigan, was found guilty after a five-week trial. The jury took only six hours to deliver its unanimous verdict.
According to the evidence, Naser tried to provide support to ISIS by offering himself as a fighter and by helping in ways that included making bombs and using drones. ISIS is a known foreign terrorist organization that has been responsible for countless deadly attacks around the world. Helping such a group in any form is a serious crime under U.S. law.
United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., who announced the conviction, said that Naser called himself a “son of the Islamic State” and was determined to hurt Americans. Gorgon said that when Naser couldn’t join ISIS abroad, he turned his focus inward, building a bomb in his basement and gathering drones—an alarming discovery for law enforcement.
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Radical Plans and Past Crimes
The path to Naser’s arrest and conviction began years earlier. During the trial, it was revealed that Naser had become deeply involved in extremist ideas. He posted violent, jihadist messages and videos on his YouTube channel and became close with Russell Dennison, another radicalized individual. Together, they traveled to Iraq in 2012.
Naser came back to Michigan later that year, while Dennison continued to Syria and joined the Al Nusrah Front, a terrorist group linked to ISIS. From the United States, Naser remained in contact with Dennison, and they discussed sending money to help buy weapons for the terror group.
Naser attempted to leave the U.S. twice to join ISIS in Syria. The first time was in November 2012, when he tried to board a flight at Detroit Metropolitan Airport but was stopped. Two months later, in January 2013, he tried again. This time, just before leaving, he robbed a gas station to get money for the trip. He then took a bus to Chicago and attempted to fly to Lebanon with $2,000 in cash. Again, he was denied boarding. Soon after, he was arrested for the robbery, convicted, and served three years in prison.
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After his release, Naser continued to pursue his dangerous mission. He secretly created social media accounts and joined private online groups that supported ISIS. There, he watched terrorist propaganda, communicated with others, and looked for information about how to make bombs. He also practiced building explosives and learned how to fly drones.
In October 2017, the FBI searched Naser’s home and vehicle. They found a bomb that could be assembled quickly—a destructive device in the wrong hands. This discovery led to further charges and the recent conviction.
The Law’s Response to Terrorist Support and Explosives
Naser was convicted on two serious charges: attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and being a felon in possession of a destructive device. These charges carry heavy penalties. He faces up to 20 years in prison for the terrorism-related offense and up to 15 years for having the explosive device while being a felon.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, with Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Detroit Division praising the dedication of the agents involved. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hank Moon and Saima Mohsin, along with Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, led the prosecution.
Naser’s actions and the evidence against him showed a clear pattern of radicalization, criminal behavior, and dangerous intent. The conviction reflects the commitment of law enforcement and federal prosecutors to protect the country from threats of terrorism.
