The Houston man accused of providing material support to ISIS and planning out a terrorist attack in the U.S. had been on the FBI's radar for seven years.
28-year-old Anas Said [[ sah-eed ]] was arrested by FBI agents earlier this week on federal charges of attempting to support ISIS and plotting local attacks on U.S. soil. The FBI says Said had been creating and spreading ISIS propaganda through the 11 different Facebook accounts that he managed. Court documents said Said even attempted to travel to join the group.
Said first ended up on the FBI’s radar after he bought two stickers with ISIS-related imagery back in 2017. After admitting to supporting the group, he claimed he didn't hold those views any longer during an interview with the FBI. However, more online extremism was discovered in 2023 when authorities found more pro-ISIS activity from Said online.
While authorities tried taking Said into custody, he resisted, smashed his cell phone and also attempted to run away from the agents.
Jeff Addicott is a Professor and Director of the Warrior Defense Project at St. Mary's University School of Law. He said the FBI was able to go after Said after he continued to post his propaganda and showed support for a terrorist organization.
"When you cross over to start engaging in material support, that's the difference," he explained. "In our system you have to have evidence obviously and that balance of freedom of speech."
Addicott applauded the work of the FBI for foiling multiple terroristic plots in the U.S. since September 11, 2001.
"They have broken up so many attempted plots in this country and most people don't realize it," said Addicott.
If convicted, Said faces up to 20 years in federal prison.