New York Man Arrested for Attempting to Provide Support to Daesh

A resident of New York State who was detained, attempted to travel overseas to support the Daesh terrorist group, according to US Attorney Preet Bharara.

NEW YORK (Sputnik) — A resident of New York State was arrested for allegedly attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State (ISIL, or Daesh) terror group, US Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement.

"As alleged, Sajmir Alimehmeti, a Bronx man and an ISIL [Islamic State] sympathizer, took steps to travel overseas to support ISIL’s terror campaign," Bharara stated.

According to court documents, Alimehmeti, 22, attempted to travel to the United Kingdom in October 2014, but was denied entry after UK authorities found camouflage clothing and nun-chucks in his luggage.

Alimehmeti was denied access to the UK again in December 2014 after authorities found numerous images on a cell phone that contained Daesh insignia.

After returning to the United States, prosecutors allege that Alimehmeti attempted to assist an undercover law enforcement officer posing as an Daesh sympathizer to travel to Syria to train and fight with the terror group.

Prosecutors also allege that Alimehmeti was in possession of numerous military-style knives and other military-type equipment, including masks, handcuffs, a pocket chain-saw and steel-knuckled gloves at the time of his arrest.

Alimehmeti was charged with providing support to a terrorist organization and making false statements in an application for a US passport. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.