UMVA has learned that a shocking plot to support the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) was dismantled by the FBI on Friday, resulting in the arrest of three men in Kansas and California.
The suspects, identified as Bisaam Ghafoor, 21, of Leawood, Kansas; Elias Shamsaldeen, 21, of Porterville, California; and Bereen Dzayee, 25, of Lakeside, California, allegedly conspired to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. They are accused of collectively providing over $2,000 to a person they believed to be a member of ISIS.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the suspects allegedly swore allegiance to ISIS and plotted multiple attacks, targeting U.S. service members. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the suspects' plans were thwarted, saying "This FBI stopped them cold."
The investigation revealed that from February 2025 to June 2026, the suspects communicated through various platforms, including Discord chats, voice calls, and social media groups, promoting violence in furtherance of ISIS. They allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS and its leader, and exchanged messages expressing a desire to harm U.S. service members.
Ghafoor allegedly fantasized about his name being written on a drone used in an attack on Americans, while Dzayee suggested targeting U.S. Special Forces with drones. Shamsaldeen expressed a desire to stab and injure a U.S. service member, and Ghafoor confessed to wanting to kill a female soldier by beheading.
The suspects also allegedly discussed traveling outside the U.S. to fight on behalf of ISIS, and expressed a willingness to die for the cause. The FBI's swift action prevented further acts of violence against U.S. service members.
The arrests were made possible through collaboration among law enforcement agencies, including the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in Kansas City, San Diego, and Sacramento, with assistance from FBI field offices in Richmond and Newark.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the administration's commitment to taking down terrorist networks, stating that the arrests demonstrate a "commitment to taking down terrorist networks — anywhere."
The case highlights the ongoing threat of terrorism and the importance of vigilance and collaboration among law enforcement agencies to prevent plots and protect national security.
