Anas Said, a 28-year-old man from Texas, appeared in federal court on Thursday for charges related to supporting the Islamic State group and planning violent attacks in Houston. According to court records, Said offered his home as a safe haven for ISIS members and expressed a desire to participate in a terrorist attack similar to 9/11. Federal prosecutors claim that Said spent time planning and discussing potential attacks in Houston, where he resided, and used the internet to research how to create explosives and use cellphones as remote detonators.
Court documents state that Said has created videos praising ISIS, promoting violence, and advocating for the continuation of terror activities by the group. He is described as dedicated to providing material support to ISIS in any way possible. Said, who was born in Houston but spent part of his childhood in Lebanon, was arrested recently and pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempting to provide support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. He will remain in federal custody pending further legal proceedings.
The FBI has been monitoring Said since 2017, according to Douglas Williams Jr., the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Houston office. U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani issued a warning to individuals who support terrorism, stating that law enforcement will pursue and prosecute them, regardless of attempts to conceal their activities online.
Said’s attorney, Baldemar Zuniga, defended his client by stating that the allegations against him are based on supporting ISIS through videos and propaganda only. Zuniga emphasized that the indictment does not currently include any specific plans or acts of terrorism attributed to Said. He acknowledged that the investigation is complex and will require time to review all the evidence presented.
If convicted, Said could face up to 20 years in federal prison for his involvement with ISIS. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism and hold individuals accountable for supporting extremist groups. Stay informed with the latest news by subscribing to our newsletter for updates delivered directly to your inbox.
