Texas man charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS in federal terrorism case
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A man from Texas has been charged in a federal court for allegedly trying to offer material support to ISIS, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

John Michael Garza, Jr., a 21-year-old from Midlothian, Texas, faces charges for allegedly attempting to provide support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

FBI Director Kash Patel, in a conversation with Fox News Digital, stated that Garza “made tangible efforts towards violent jihad, engaged in fundraising for terrorists, and attempted to construct explosive devices.”

“The FBI was able to identify this threat at an early stage, pursued it closely, and prevented any harm before it could occur,” Patel explained. “Our mission is to protect Americans, and we are dedicated to fulfilling that mission daily.”

Man holding ISIS flag.

Federal prosecutors allege that the Texas man was charged after trying to provide material support to ISIS through interactions with an undercover agent. (Image: Pictures from History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

According to the DOJ, Garza brought bomb-making materials to a Dec. 22 meeting with an undercover agent posing as an “ISIS brother.”

“During the meeting, Garza described how to mix the components and offered to send an instructional video explaining how to build the bomb,” the DOJ said. “Law enforcement agents arrested Garza shortly after he left the meeting.”

The DOJ also said that Garza paid the undercover agent small amounts of cryptocurrency “believing that he was supporting ISIS causes, including buying firearms and other materials.”

Garza was flagged by authorities after a New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer noticed that he followed pro-ISIS accounts, including posting a comment on a pro-ISIS post.

Department of Justice building.

The DOJ said the suspect offered to explain how to mix explosive components and provide instructional materials. (Drew Angerer)

“When the NYPD undercover engaged with Garza on social media, Garza described himself as a 21-year-old Mexican-American living in Texas,” the DOJ said.

“In their continuing conversations throughout November and December, Garza shared that he ascribed to the ISIS ideology and sent the undercover multiple official ISIS media releases.”

Attorney General Pamela Bondi called the case a “testament to the incredible work of our federal agents, who work tirelessly to save American lives.” 

doj insignia

The DOJ said the suspect was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

“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,” she said. “You cannot hide from us.”

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