HOUSTON – Key Takeaways:
- Anas Said was arrested on federal charges of attempting to support ISIS and plotting local attacks in the U.S.
- Said was involved in creating and spreading ISIS propaganda and managed multiple social media accounts promoting the group.
- He planned attacks targeting U.S. military personnel and specific Israeli locations, expressing intent to kill those supporting Israel.
- Said’s arrest followed a confrontation with FBI agents, where he resisted arrest.
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A local man was arrested on federal charges of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
Propaganda, threats, and online activity
The FBI says that Anas Said,28, had been creating and spreading ISIS propaganda, including videos and images glorifying the terrorist group’s violent acts. According to court documents, Said admired ISIS ideology and even attempted to travel to join the group. Said managed 11 Facebook accounts in support of ISIS and violent attacks carried out by the organization. Besides that, he planned potential attacks within the United States, targeting specific Israelis and locations.
Federal agents said he also admitted wanting to use explosives to commit a mass killing here in Houston.
Targeting U.S. Military and Israelis
Court documents revealed he talked about his plans to buy a gun, scout a place on Westheimer Road, and target members of the US military on whether or not they supported Israel or had served in places like Afghanistan or Iraq. If their answer was ‘yes’, he said he would kill them.
Plotting against local Jewish organizations
He also looked into a local Jewish organization in Houston that supports Israel. His initial plan was to put up a flyer urging them to stop, but if that didn’t work, he considered posing as a donor to meet with the head of the organization and, if necessary, assaulting them. He researched other Jewish sites, like synagogues and the Israeli Consulate, to understand their layouts and security measures.
History of FBI interactions
Said found himself on the FBI’s radar when he bought two stickers in 2017 with ISIS-related imagery. He admitted to supporting the group and consuming extremist content while being interviewed by the FBI. However, he claimed he no longer held those views.
READ: ISIS operative in U.S. plotted to assassinate George W. Bush, FBI alleges
Continued online extremism despite prior FBI warning
In 2023, authorities discovered that Said had in fact, continued to engage in pro-ISIS activity online, including creating and sharing extremist content on encrypted messaging platforms as recently as the week of his arrest. He had also connected with other ISIS supporters, including a key figure known as “the Designer.”
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The arrest: ‘Fit of Rage’
Said’s arrest came after a tense encounter with FBI agents. During the operation, agents approached Said and his brother in an apartment complex parking lot. His brother complied when agents asked them to get down. Said resisted and proceeded to throw his phone and later smash it to the ground in a fit of rage. He attempted to run but agents were able to arrest him before he got away.
Interviews following his arrest revealed his deep-rooted commitment to ISIS and his willingness to be violent.
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“At this time, we are focusing our attention on the allegations in the indictment, allegations that revolve around material support of a terrorist organization by producing only videos and propaganda for ISIS,” said Said’s attorney, Baldemar Zuniga. “Despite allegations that my client made statements to government agents regarding proposed terrorist acts, the indictment does not currently allege any planning, or acts, of terrorism. This appears to be a lengthy investigation and it will take some time to sift through all of the evidence.”
Anas Said is currently in custody and if convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
