Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Teen Arrested for Allegedly Trying to Help ISIS

A Pennsylvania 19-year-old has been arrested on charges he attempted to provide support to the Islamic State group.

Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz of Harrisburg is charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to terrorists. He has an initial appearance in federal court on Thursday afternoon.

Federal prosecutors say a tactical-style backpack in Aziz's closet contained five loaded high-capacity magazines, a modified kitchen knife, a thumb drive, medication and a balaclava, leading them to suspect he may have been plotting an attack.

Authorities say Aziz used 57 different Twitter accounts to advocate violence against U.S. citizens and military members and to disseminate Islamic State propaganda. Prosecutors allege the teen also posted a link to a website containing names, addresses and other information of 100 U.S. military members.

Court papers say Aziz also tried helping others travel to Syria to fight for the Islamic State. In one case, Aziz acted as an intermediary between a person in Turkey and several well-known ISIS members, officials alleged.

A message left at Aziz's home wasn't immediately returned Thursday. Court documents don't list an attorney who could comment on the charges.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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