Houston: Iraqi Refugee Pleads Guilty To Trying To Help ISIS
Pledged his loyalty to ISIS and plotted to bomb two Houston malls
An Iraqi terrorist arrested last year in Houston, has pleaded guilty of attempting to help ISIS by bombing Houston malls.
An Iraqi refugee who authorities say wanted to set off bombs at two Houston malls pleaded guilty Monday to trying to help the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Omar Faraj Saeed Al Hardan admitted as part of his plea deal that he pledged his loyalty to ISIS in November 2014 and almost immediately trained to use tactical weapons, including an AK-47. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced Jan. 17 on a charge of attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The 24-year-old came to Houston from Iraq in 2009. Beginning in June 2014, Al Hardan developed a relationship with a confidential informant, discussing hopes to travel overseas to fight with ISIS, according to authorities.
Homeland Security Special Agent Herman Wittliff testified days after Al Hardan’s indictment in January that the suspect had been learning how to make electronic transmitters that could be used to detonate explosives. Wittliff said Al Hardan hoped to bomb two Houston malls, including the popular Galleria mall, and wanted use cellphones — a collection of which were found in his apartment – to detonate the devices.
He also made numerous statements about his plans to travel to Syria and fight alongside ISIS and become a martyr. . . .
[Featured image via Click 2 Houston]
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