LACKAWANNA, N.Y. — Sources tell News 4 that the FBI executed a warrant at a home in Lackawanna Wednesday morning.
The U. S. Attorney William Hochul held a press conference Wednesday morning to discuss the arrest of Arafat Nagi, 44, accused of attempting to support a terrorist organization.
Nagi allegedly attempted to join ISIL and pledge allegiance to the terrorist organization. In two separate trips, Nagi traveled from Lackawanna to Turkey, the criminal complaint alleges, and he purchased items including military combat gear such as night vision goggles and black flags which are sometimes associated with Isil.
His first trip only lasted one day due to a medical issue, but the second trip took place last July and lasted 10 days, Hochul said Wednesday morning.
The complaint also alleges that the Lackawnna community said that Nagi espoused violent jihad and believed that he constituted a threat to those in the U.S.
Nagi could face 15 years in jail, a $250,000 fine, or both, if convicted of attempting to provide material support to Isil. The investigation is ongoing and Nagi’s communications are being analyzed.
It appears, according to authorities, that he was working alone in the states. It was described during Wednesday’s press conference how ISIL and similar organizations do much of their recruitment and offer support from overseas via social media, including Twitter.
Nagi has a criminal history in the area — including a 2013 incident which placed him on police radar — he was accused of threatening to behead one of his children.
