The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Friday that a 23-year-old New Jersey man, Karrem Nasr, who was arrested in Kenya last month, has been charged with attempting to provide material support for the Islamist militant group Al-Shabab in Somalia.
According to prosecutors, Nasr’s motivation stemmed from the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, and he had devoted himself to waging violent jihad against the United States and its allies.
Motivation and Intentions
Prosecutors revealed that Nasr expressed a strong motivation to engage in violent jihad against America, citing the country as ‘evil’ and the ‘head of the snake.’ US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams emphasized that Nasr was prepared to kill and be killed in support of the jihadist cause.
Nasr reportedly moved to Egypt in July and subsequently traveled to Kenya with the intention of joining and training with Al-Shabab militants. Authorities arrested him in Nairobi earlier this month, and he was extradited to the United States on Thursday.
The Department of Justice highlighted the crucial role of a confidential source who reported threatening posts made by Nasr on social media, leading law enforcement to become aware of his plans.
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New Jersey Man’s Terror Support Charge
In posts shared by the DOJ, Nasr pledged a “jihad on home turf” and expressed aspirations of becoming a martyr for the Al-Shabab cause. He compared the capabilities of the United States, mentioning F35s and nuclear weapons, with those of the terrorist organization, noting their commitment to a cause based on religious ideals rather than a geopolitical agenda.
Prosecutors stated that Nasr made specific travel arrangements, including flights and lodging, from Egypt to Kenya, aiming to meet with Al-Shabab militants and travel with them to Somalia. He was apprehended upon his arrival in Kenya.
The charge against Nasr for supporting a terrorist organization carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, highlighting the severity of his alleged actions.
New York Police Commissioner Edward Caban condemned Nasr’s actions, describing the provision of support to a foreign terrorist organization by an American citizen as a “heinous threat” to the entire country and its way of life.
The case of Karrem Nasr underscores the global reach of extremism and the challenges faced by law enforcement in preventing individuals from supporting and participating in terrorist activities. The arrest and charges demonstrate the ongoing efforts to disrupt potential threats and safeguard national security.
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