A California navy sailor was amongst three alleged homegrown ISIS terrorists arrested after federal investigators uncovered what prosecutors say was a plot to fund the phobia group and assist perform an assault on US Particular Forces troops utilizing drones, grenades and rocket-propelled grenades.
Bereen Dzayee, 25, of Lakeside close to San Diego, Elias Shamsaldeen, 21, of Porterville in Tulare County, and Bisaam Ghafoor, 21, of Leawood, Kansas, have been taken into custody Friday after a prolonged FBI investigation.
In line with a prison criticism filed in federal courtroom in Kansas, the three males allegedly spent greater than a yr speaking about extremist plans, together with discussions about leaving the US to affix ISIS.
Federal prosecutors allege the trio pledged allegiance to ISIS, sought to offer materials help to the terrorist group and mentioned killing Individuals.
The criticism alleges the group mentioned buying weapons, together with drones, grenades and rocket-propelled grenades, to be used towards American Particular Forces operators.
At one level, Ghafoor allegedly requested a confidential FBI supply he believed was an ISIS member: “What number of do you hope to kill?”
Prosecutors say Ghafoor additionally claimed he had at all times needed to kill a feminine soldier by beheading and added: “I want I might kill 300,000,000 Individuals.”
The investigation started after a confidential human supply working with the FBI encountered the group in a web based social media discussion board in Could 2025. Prosecutors say the lads believed the supply was an energetic ISIS member.
Investigators say the lads additionally mentioned buying rocket-propelled grenades, generally often known as RPGs.
One picture included within the criticism reveals three RPGs and a number of other firearms loaded within the mattress of a pickup truck.
The {photograph} was allegedly despatched to members of the group by the confidential supply.
One of many RPGs displayed Arabic writing that prosecutors say translated to “Bisaam Shahzad Ghafoor.”
In line with the criticism, Ghafoor had beforehand instructed the supply it might be “sick” if his identify was written on a drone. Dzayee allegedly steered the picture would make a great social media put up for Ghafoor.
On or about September 1, 2025, Ghafoor instructed the supply that he deliberate to get a job so he might generate income to buy an AK-47 and ammunition to start out coaching for his combating with ISIS, the papers say.
Investigators additionally detailed feedback allegedly made by Shamsaldeen throughout conversations with the group.
In line with courtroom paperwork, Shamsaldeen instructed others his mom had inspired her youngsters to develop up and kill Individuals.
The criticism additional alleges Shamsaldeen stated he performed violent video video games and fantasized that the killings depicted have been a part of a real-world assault.
On Oct. 19, 2025, Shamsaldeen allegedly pledged allegiance to the chief of ISIS in a message later shared with the confidential supply.
Prosecutors say the pledge included a promise to obey the terrorist group’s management.
Authorities additionally allege the lads labored to secretly present cash to ISIS.
Ghafoor and Dzayee mentioned sending funds by cryptocurrency, based on the criticism. Ghafoor, who allegedly used the net identify “Prince,” additionally handed money to an undercover FBI worker throughout a gathering at a Kansas Metropolis mosque, prosecutors stated.
One of many envelopes containing the money was addressed to a different mosque in New Jersey.
Shamsaldeen allegedly despatched $1,590 meant to help ISIS and later thanked the confidential supply for the chance to contribute cash to the group.
The arrests surprised residents in Dzayee’s quiet Lakeside neighborhood.
Pentagon officers haven’t confirmed Dzayee’s navy standing, however neighbors and a former classmate instructed NBC 7 he served within the Navy and recognized images displaying him in a sailor’s uniform.
A number of residents, together with veterans and navy members of the family, stated the allegations have been tough to reconcile with their understanding of his background.
“We seemed out — it appeared to me prefer it was a white van that pulled up and tactical guys jumped out and surrounded the home,” one neighbor instructed the station.
“Very odd on this neighborhood. So the neighbors began popping out. We didn’t strategy, however we have been watching.”
One other resident stated the sight of federal brokers descending on the neighborhood was alarming.
“You see Terrorist Job Pressure, your alarms go up,” the neighbor stated.
