The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), also known as ISIL or Daesh, is a militant Sunni jihadist organization that once controlled large areas of Iraq and Syria but has since been territorially defeated. Despite losing its self-proclaimed "caliphate," ISIS continues to operate as a decentralized insurgency through regional affiliates across the globe and through online radicalization.

Isis - a terrorist carrying the organization's flag. — The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), also known as ISIL or Daesh, is a militant Sunni jihadist organization that once controlled large areas of Iraq and Syria but has since been territorially defeated. Despite losing its self-proclaimed "caliphate," ISIS continues to operate as a decentralized insurgency through regional affiliates across the globe and through online radicalization.

Minneapolis, MN – A 23-year-old man who twice tried to travel overseas to join ISIS and openly called for jihad has pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, officials announced Thursday.

Abdisatar Ahmed Hassan admitted before U.S. District Judge Donovan W. Frank that he sought to join ISIS fighters in Somalia and actively promoted the group online. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said Hassan “flew the ISIS flag, venerated attacks on the homeland, and wanted to kill Americans,” adding that Minnesota would not be allowed to become a “safe haven for terrorists.”

ISIS Agent

According to court documents, Hassan operated social media accounts where he praised terrorist attacks, shared ISIS propaganda, and called for the creation of an Islamic caliphate in Somalia. Posts included images of the black ISIS flag, propaganda videos, and messages glorifying violence, including praise for the New Year’s Day massacre in New Orleans that killed 14 people.

In December 2024, Hassan twice attempted one-way travel from Minnesota to Somalia via Ethiopia to join ISIS. Surveillance by FBI agents revealed that on his first attempt he was blocked from boarding due to improper travel documents. He then obtained additional paperwork and tried again. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted him in Chicago, finding his birth certificate, naturalization papers, and high school diploma packed in his single carry-on bag.

A forensic review of Hassan’s two phones uncovered communications with an alleged ISIS recruiter, exchanges with an ISIS media outlet, and instructional documents on explosives and sniper training. Agents also located a series of internet searches on weapons, fertilizer, and ISIS operations.

In February, Hassan posted videos from his car displaying a knife and waving a homemade ISIS flag. When arrested later that month, FBI agents seized the flag, two phones, and the knife. Hassan later confessed to agents that he supported ISIS, routinely posted its propaganda, and sought to fight for the group abroad.

FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. said the plea was the result of extensive investigative work, stressing that ISIS and Al Shabab “represent a clear threat to all Americans.”

Hassan remains in custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled.

Continue Reading

Cross Toppled, Roadside Memorial for Jackson Teen Vandalized, Trampled

Jackson, NJ - A roadside memorial honoring Jackson teenager Michael Gioia was vandalized Thursday night, leaving his family…

New Jersey AG Investigation in Vocational School Whistleblower Case Involving Student Sexual Abuse

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A controversy surrounding the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District that Shore News Network…

Gloucester Township Police Warn Residents to Verify Door-to-Door Solicitors Before Opening the Door

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. - As door-to-door sales activity continues across South Jersey, the Gloucester Township Police Department is…

The man who called ISIS his “commander” now faces judgment in a U.S. courtroom.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.