Attempt to Aid ISIS Leads to Charges Against Albanian National

Federal prosecutors have charged Erald Alimehmeti, a 33-year-old Albanian national and U.S. citizen, with attempting to provide material support to ISIS and distributing bomb-making instructions in furtherance of violent crimes. The arrest underscores the persistent threat of homegrown and international terrorism targeting American interests.

Authorities allege that Alimehmeti, who lived in the Bronx before returning to Albania in 2014, engaged in a years-long campaign to promote ISIS propaganda and facilitate acts of terror. His activities included:

• Distributing bomb-making instructions designed to enable terrorist attacks.

• Communicating with like-minded individuals through encrypted messaging apps to discuss plans for violence.

• Posting ISIS propaganda videos, including gruesome footage of American soldiers being attacked, accompanied by celebratory comments.

In conversations with others, Alimehmeti reportedly expressed admiration for the 2002 D.C. sniper attacks and sought to replicate similar acts of terror.

Alimehmeti served two prison terms in Albania, from 2015-2019 and 2020-2022, before allegedly intensifying his online activity to recruit and train potential ISIS operatives. FBI Assistant Director James E. Dennehy described Alimehmeti’s actions as an alarming attempt to further ISIS’s violent agenda.

Alimehmeti faces two serious charges:

• Attempting to provide material support to ISIS

• Distributing bomb-making instructions in furtherance of violent crimes

If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison for each count.

This case highlights the ongoing risks posed by individuals inspired by terrorist ideologies, even those operating from abroad. The Justice Department and FBI continue to prioritize efforts to disrupt these threats before they materialize into deadly attacks.

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