Authorities have reported that Awais Chudhary, a 25-year-old from Queens, was sentenced on Tuesday by US District Judge Carol Bagriahmon. He had made plans to carry out terrorist attacks in New York City in 2019, attempting to provide substantial support to ISIS, which is classified as a foreign terrorist organization by the US.
Chudhary, who pleaded guilty to the charges in June, was born in Pakistan and later became a US citizen. He became radicalized after watching and sharing violent online content, including gruesome acts like beheadings.
Following this, he expressed his loyalty to the then-leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and began to devise plans for attacks using knives or bombs. This was revealed by officials.
When he was just 19, Chudhary planned to target specific locations including his home in East Elmhurst, a pedestrian bridge over Grand Central Parkway, the Flushing Bay Promenade, and even a Dunkin’ Donuts nearby.
Reports indicate that he made multiple reconnaissance trips to these locations, taking videos of the areas he intended to attack.
He sought advice from individuals he believed were affiliated with ISIS, inquiring about knife choices and ways to evade law enforcement detection while carrying out his plans.
Chudhary even shared an image from an ISIS propaganda magazine showing a human body with recommendations on where to stab.
In his preparations for a potential attack, he purchased a tactical knife, mask, gloves, and equipment to record his actions.
His arrest came as he attempted to retrieve these items from a locker at an online retailer in Queens.
Additionally, he had recruited English-speaking users online to promote ISIS’s violent agenda and assisted another ISIS member—who faces similar charges—by translating propaganda into English.
In response to Chudhary’s actions, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “Awais Chudhary pledged allegiance to a brutal terrorist organization and attempted to kill American citizens.”
She emphasized the commitment of prosecutors to ensure he would spend several years in prison for his actions, asserting that the Department of Justice would remain vigilant against threats both abroad and domestically.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tish expressed gratitude towards the judicial system and investigators for averting potential public harm. She highlighted that Chudhary’s plans had been thwarted, ensuring accountability through the judicial process.
“Today, our judicial system has held him responsible,” Tish concluded. “We appreciate the efforts of NYPD investigators, the FBI, and the US Attorney’s office for their dedication and hard work.”
