Former Bronx resident Erald Alimehmeti has been charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS and distributing information related to making explosives, as announced by federal authorities. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, and officials from the FBI and NYPD detailed the allegations at a recent press conference. According to a statement on the U.S. Attorney's Office website, Alimehmeti was detained following the complaint.
Alimehmeti, a dual U.S. and Albanian citizen, previously residing in the Bronx, has moved to Albania in 2014. After having been imprisoned by Albanian authorities for weapons and assault offenses during two separate periods between late 2015 and 2019 and from late 2020 to 2022, he allegedly used multiple online platforms to communicate and plan attacks on behalf of ISIS. Utilizing encrypted messaging and social media, Alimehmeti is accused of distributing pro-ISIS propaganda and detailed instructions on weaponry and creating explosives.
Alimehmeti's online activity reportedly included discussions on "DC sniper" style attacks and soliciting participation for an operation by requesting specific tactical equipment for ISIS-supported "training" and "operations," including modified assault rifle gear. The FBI's Assistant Director in Charge, James E. Dennehy, emphasized the threat posed by Alimehmeti's actions, crediting the Joint Terrorism Task Force for preventing the advancement of his evil aims as he allegedly shared multiple instructions on making explosives, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office statement.
In an alleged effort to aid those with similar mindsets, Alimehmeti is accused of sharing a video guide on constructing explosives at home, while incendiaries were discussed spraying at innocent bystanders, according to the complaint. NYPD Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner commended the team effort in these investigations, stating that such attempts to support terrorist organizations commonly result in arrest.
Alimehmeti faces one count of attempting to provide material support to ISIS and one count of distributing information regarding explosives, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted. The charges presented are currently only accusations, and Alimehmeti is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas S. Bradley and Jane Y. Chong, with assistance from Trial Attorney Jessica K. Fender of the Counterterrorism Section. Recognizing the collaborative nature of this investigation, the U.S. Attorney's Office also extended thanks to international law enforcement partners in Albania and Australia.
