Three Men Charged for Supporting ISIS
Three individuals have been charged with conspiring to assist the terrorist group ISIS, federal authorities reported. Among them is a U.S. Navy veteran. The Justice Department revealed that the group had plans to inflict violence on American troops. At least one suspect reportedly voiced an unsettling desire to behead female soldiers, while another expressed horror at the thought of having his name linked to a drone that would target Americans.
The men—Bisaam Ghafoor, 21, from Leawood, Kansas; Elias Shamsardeen, 21, from Porterville, California; and Vereen Zayi, 25, from Lakeside, California—were allegedly involved in sending over $2,000 to individuals associated with ISIS, according to a criminal complaint filed in Kansas.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the administration’s resolve against terrorist threats. He stated that the recent arrests demonstrate a commitment to dismantling terrorist networks. Thanks to the FBI’s efforts, the alleged plot was thwarted before it could escalate further.
Zayi served in the Navy from 2021 to 2024 and was assigned to the USS John S. McCain, according to Navy records.
Federal authorities indicated that from February 2025 to June 2026, the trio used Discord, voice calls, and various messaging apps to coordinate their support for ISIS, pledge allegiance, and even plot attacks against U.S. military personnel.
Initially, the FBI found them through social media posts favorable to terrorist organizations, as outlined in court documents.
The complaint details that the men believed their contributions were funding advanced weaponry. In particular, Shamsardeen was alleged to have financed drones meant to harm U.S. military members, while Ghafoor’s name appeared on the projectiles of rocket-propelled grenades destined for overseas attacks.
Conversations among the conspirators reveal alarming intentions. Ghafoor reportedly expressed distress at the idea of having his name on an attack drone, calling it “sickening.” In another instance, he stated a desire to kill female soldiers, saying, “I wish I could kill 300 million Americans.”
Shamsardeen similarly indicated a wish to stab American service members, mentioning that his mother encouraged her children to grow up to fight against Americans. He even admitted to playing violent video games, fantasizing that they were part of a real-life terrorist operation.
Prosecutors noted that Zayi, a veteran, suggested targeting U.S. Green Berets and special forces. To disguise their actions, he proposed labeling their financial support as “donations” or “charity.” Although they attempted to use virtual currency ATMs for transactions, these efforts ultimately failed.
