A Sheffield Lake man will spend 16 years in federal prison after providing support to the Islamic State terrorist group, also known as ISIS.
Forty-one-year-old Amir Said Rahman Al-Ghazi, also known as Robert C. McCollum, pleaded guilty more than two years ago to providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, as well as lesser charges of being a felon in possession of firearms.
“This case demonstrates law enforcement’s number one priority – to keep our communities and our nation safe,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “It is clear that no area is immune from the influence of ISIS and its supporters. We hope this case will serve as a strong message to others who may consider providing support to terrorists."
Prosecutors say Al-Ghazi, who changed his name from Robert McCollum, pledged his allegiance to ISIS in June of 2014 and engaged in a variety of alarming activities, including expressing his desire to carry out an attack inside the United States, attempting to purchase an illegal AK-47 assault rifle, and communicating with members of the terror group in the Middle East while taking steps to create ISIS propaganda videos.
“This case is a stark reminder that ISIS is more than an abstract threat,” U.S Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “Through social media and other means, ISIS and groups like it seek to radicalize people of all backgrounds into its world of violence.”