Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
The Department of Justice has announced charges against a 21-year-old from Texas who allegedly attempted to provide material support to ISIS.
Getting into it: The man, John Michael Garza Jr. of Midlothian, was arrested after delivering bomb-making materials to an undercover FBI agent he believed to be an ISIS “brother.” According to court documents, Garza brought the materials to a meeting on the evening of December 22, where he explained how to mix them and suggested surrounding the bomb with nails to maximize harm. He also offered to send an instructional video demonstrating the assembly process. Investigators moved in and arrested him shortly after he left the meeting.
Authorities have released some evidence, including screenshots of the bomb-making video Garza shared, photographs of explosive materials, and copies of his social media interactions.
He was first placed back on authorities’ radar in October after an NYPD undercover officer spotted his social media activity. His account followed multiple pro-ISIS pages and included a comment on a terrorist propaganda post. Posing as a fellow ISIS supporter, the undercover NYPD officer began engaging Garza in conversations over several weeks. During these chats, Garza confirmed his allegiance to ISIS ideology and sent the officer official ISIS media releases, including images of explosions and suicide bombings. He also transferred small amounts of cryptocurrency in November and December, believing the money would be used to buy firearms and support terrorist operations.
In a statement, Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “This case is a testament to the incredible work of our federal agents, who work tirelessly to save American lives.” FBI Director Kash Patel added, “ISIS’s poisonous ideology must be ripped out root and stem — anyone who tries to commit violence on ISIS’s behalf will be found, arrested, and prosecuted. You cannot hide from us.”
If convicted, Garza faces 20+ years in prison.
