A man was arrested in New York this month for allegedly attempting to provide ISIS with information and distributing guidance on how to build explosives after videos surfaced of him saying he wanted to carry out a sniper attack.
Erald Alimehmeti, 33, a dual U.S. and Albanian citizen, was arrested on November 21 following a probe by the FBI's New York Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), who are still investigating the case.
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), this is not his first arrest in connection with weapons possession. Alimehmeti was arrested in Albania between 2015 and 2019 and then again between 2020 and 2022. Both times he was imprisoned for weapons and assault charges.
Between sentences, the DOJ and the FBI allege that Alimehmeti set up multiple accounts online to promote ISIS and train for attacks with others on behalf of the group, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy said: "Erald Alimehmeti not only allegedly attempted to provide material support to ISIS by trying to recruit and train who he believed to be like-minded individuals online, but also repeatedly shared multiple instructions on how to make explosives for use in a terrorist attack."
The DOJ claims that between 2019 and 2020, Alimehmeti would post videos and ISIS propaganda to these accounts. One video, according to the DOJ, shows Alimehmeti explaining to his followers that he wanted to pull off a "D.C. sniper"-style attack, asking his followers if they "know sniping?"
In another video shared by Alimehmeti of US Special Forces being killed in Niger, Alimehmeti is said to be seen gloating and saying: "The Islamic State in Africa killing crusaders, American and French special forces. Look at how the US special forces scream before they die!!! Hahaha!"
Per the DOJ, Alimehmeti was also on an encrypted messaging channel where he posted instructional links and documents about building explosives, handling firearms, outdoor survival and self-defense for other people to learn from.
In one video posted about how to make explosives, Alimehmeti allegedly claimed that it was a "video release from the official media of the Khilafa (caliphate)," and that it explains how "YOU O Muwahid can make TATP explosives in your own home ... SO FIGHT THEM O MUWAHID."
The DOJ claims that this is "an apparent reference to a well-known ISIS video titled, 'You Must Fight Them O Muwahhid,' which provides step-by-step instructions for constructing a TATP-based explosive device and attacking a human target with a knife."
Dennehy added: "Thankfully, due to the dedication and determination of the New York JTTF, Alimehmeti was stopped before he could further his evil aims.
"The FBI New York, the NYPD and all law enforcement partners on the JTTF continue to be unrelenting in our mission to protect our country from anyone attempting to cause violence and mayhem in the name of terrorism."
If charged, Alimehmeti faces up to 20 years in prison for "one count of attempting to provide material support to ISIS" and a further 20 years for " distribution of information pertaining to explosives, destructive devices, and weapons of mass destruction in furtherance of a federal crime of violence."
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