The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested three men in a coordinated effort across Kansas and California for their alleged involvement in a plot to support the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). The arrests highlight the ongoing vigilance required to combat domestic terrorism and protect national security.
The defendants, Bisaam Ghafoor from Leawood, Kansas, and Elias Shamsaldeen and Bereen Dzayee from California, were taken into custody early this morning. They are accused of conspiring to provide material support to terrorism, including financial contributions and plans to target U.S. service members.
Allegations and Evidence
The complaint filed in the District of Kansas details a series of communications and transactions that allegedly took place between February 2026 and June 2026. The defendants are accused of providing over $2,000 to an individual they believed to be an ISIS member. These funds were intended to support various terrorist activities, including the purchase of drones and rocket-propelled grenades.
According to the complaint, Ghafoor expressed a desire to have his name written on a drone used in an attack on Americans. Dzayee suggested that U.S. Special Forces should be targeted by these drones. Shamsaldeen allegedly expressed a desire to stab and injure a U.S. servicemember, while Ghafoor made chilling statements about wanting to kill a female soldier by beheading and expressing a wish to kill 300,000,000 Americans.
Investigation and Arrests
The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, with assistance from field offices in Kansas City, San Diego, Sacramento, Richmond, and Newark, conducted a thorough investigation. The task force utilized social media monitoring, undercover operations, and confidential informants to gather evidence against the defendants.
Key evidence includes Discord chats, voice calls, and other messaging platforms where the defendants allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS and discussed their plans. The investigation revealed that the defendants were not only providing financial support but also actively planning to travel outside the United States to fight on behalf of ISIS.
Statements from Authorities
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the administration’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks. “Today’s arrest of three individuals who allegedly conspired to provide material support to ISIS makes clear our commitment to taking down terrorist networks — anywhere,” Blanche stated.
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the success of the operation in preventing potential acts of violence. “The success of this op shows once again this FBI’s continued record of stopping terrorist attacks before they happen,” Patel said, praising the efforts of the teams involved.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg noted the severity of the allegations. “These defendants conspired to support ISIS, a ruthless terrorist organization, with the intent, among other things, to fund plans to kill American servicemembers abroad,” Eisenberg stated.
U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser for the District of Kansas underscored the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies. “The only way to root out and prevent terrorism plots is through collaboration among all levels of law enforcement and across jurisdictions,” Kriegshauser said.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The indictment is merely an allegation, and the legal process will determine the outcome of the case.
