Charges Filed Against Three Men for Supporting ISIS

Federal authorities have charged three men, including a U.S. Navy veteran, for conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State (ISIS). The U.S. Department of Justice announced these individuals allegedly plotted acts of violence against American military personnel. One suspect expressed an intention to behead a female soldier, while another found the idea of his name written on an attack drone appealing.

The accused are Bisaam Ghafoor from Leawood, Kansas, Elias Shamsaldeen from Porterville, California, and Bereen Dzayee from Lakeside, California. They were arrested following attempts to send over $2,000 to someone they thought was an ISIS member, according to a criminal complaint in Kansas.

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized, “Today’s arrest of three individuals who allegedly conspired to provide material support to ISIS makes clear our commitment to taking down terrorist networks anywhere.”

Bereen Dzayee served in the U.S. Navy from 2021 to 2024 on the USS John S. McCain, a guided-missile destroyer. Federal prosecutors allege that the three suspects communicated through Discord chats and other messaging platforms from February 2025 to June 2026. These discussions included pledges of allegiance to ISIS and plans to attack U.S. military members.

The FBI uncovered their scheme through social media posts promoting ISIS, as noted in court documents. Prosecutors claim the men believed their money was funding advanced weaponry, with Shamsaldeen allegedly contributing for drones aimed at killing American service members overseas. Ghafoor’s name ended up inscribed on an RPG planned for an attack abroad.

The court documents reveal unsettling exchanges between the conspirators. Ghafoor celebrated the notion of his name on a strike drone and expressed a desire to kill a female soldier. Additionally, he voiced a desire to kill millions of Americans. Shamsaldeen reportedly wanted to stab an American service member and shared details of his upbringing, including his mother encouraging violent acts against Americans. He also mentioned playing violent video games while imagining real-world terrorist operations.

The suspects allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS and its leader. Dzayee, the Navy veteran, suggested targeting U.S. Green Berets and Special Forces units. Authorities also found that Dzayee advised fellow suspects to disguise their financial support as donations or charity to avoid detection. They attempted using a cryptocurrency ATM for fund transfers, but these efforts failed.