A Stockton man, identified as 33-year-old Ammaad Akhtar, was arrested and is facing charges of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization, a complaint unsealed on Tuesday by the U.S. Attorney's Office reveals. According to court documents, Akhtar had been in online communication since February 2025 with an undercover agent he believed was affiliated with ISIS, sharing his support for the group and his wish to join them in their fight abroad.
As reported by U.S. Attorney's Office, The investigation into Akhtar's activities, led by the FBI in collaboration with the New York City Police Department, documented his explicit intentions where he voiced a willingness to provide finances and weapons to support ISIS's cause, even celebrating after being told his funds were used purchasing firearms for the group, saying “may Allah destroy our enemies” he also pledged to send more money. His actions, including his readiness to offer further financial aid, raise serious concerns about domestic threats and the extent individuals might go in support of foreign terrorist organizations.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, in addition to financial contributions, Akhtar discussed potential violent acts that included making and using homemade explosives for an attack, as well as targeting specific individuals. As these details unfolded, Akhtar's radical intent became evident with his statement “want[s] to die in the cause of Allah fighting the kuffar [infidels]” shared in the conversations that were monitored by law enforcement.
On Monday, decisive action was taken when Akhtar met with what he presumed was an ISIS associate to provide cash, clothing, and firearms, only to be apprehended by an undercover law enforcement officer; it was then that Akhtar pledged his allegiance to ISIS, known as bayat. With the case now proceeding to federal court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Wong and Trial Attorney Ryan D. White of the National Security Division are assigned to prosecuting the case if Akhtar is convicted he faces up to 20 years in prison alongside a possible $250,000 fine, although the court has the discretion to consider various factors before issuing the final sentence – Akhtar remains innocent until proven guilty.
Federal authorities, including the FBI and NYPD, coordinated efforts to arrest Akhtar and prevent further actions related to the case. The matter is now proceeding through the judicial system. As legal proceedings continue, residents in Stockton have been made aware of the investigation and its implications for national security.
