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Houston Man Admits He Was Attempting to Work with ISIL

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Iraqi refugee, Omar Faraj Saeed Al Hardan of Houston, admitted in court to giving information to ISIL. In 2009, Al Hardan came to America as a legal, permanent resident. Five years later, he gained the attention of Federal investigators. According to KHOU, he “told a federal source that he wanted to travel overseas to support ISIL in fighting jihad.”

Though he originally denied it, Al Hardan took automatic weapon training and also began posting about ISIL on his social media. He wrote, “I want to blow myself up. I want to travel with the Mujahidin. I want to travel to be with those who are against America. I am against America.” Before heading abroad, Al Hardan wanted to plant explosives in the Galleria and Sharpstown Malls.

The United States Department of Justice’s website explains his charges, “He is charged with one count each of attempting to provide material support to ISIL, procurement of citizenship or naturalization unlawfully and making false statements.” It will be January before Al Hardan receives his sentence, but he could see a $250,000 fine along with 20 years in jail.