Federal authorities have charged three men, including a U.S. Navy veteran, for conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State (ISIS) terror group. According to the Justice Department, these individuals planned acts of violence against American troops. One suspect expressed a desire to behead a female soldier, while another thought it would be ‘sick’ to have his name on a drone used to attack Americans.
The accused are Bisaam Ghafoor, 21, from Leawood, Kansas; Elias Shamsaldeen, 21, from Porterville, California; and Bereen Dzayee, 25, from Lakeside, California. They were apprehended after sending over $2,000 to someone they believed was an ISIS member, according to a federal criminal complaint filed in Kansas.
Arrests and Statements
‘This administration has put terrorists, cartels, and gangs on notice,’ said Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche. ‘Today’s arrest of these individuals highlights our commitment to destroy terrorist networks. Thanks to the FBI’s vigilance, we dismantled their alleged scheme and thwarted potential violence against U.S. service members.’
Dzayee’s service record indicates he served in the U.S. Navy from 2021 to 2024 aboard the USS John S. McCain.
Communication and Plotting
From February 2025 to June 2026, the suspects allegedly used Discord chats, voice calls, and other messaging platforms to coordinate their support for ISIS and plot attacks on U.S. military personnel. The FBI identified them through social media posts promoting ISIS, according to court documents.
The complaint states that the accused believed their funds were purchasing advanced weaponry. Shamsaldeen allegedly funded drones intended for killing American troops overseas. Ghafoor’s name reportedly ended up on a rocket-propelled grenade used in an overseas attack.
Allegations and Conversations
Court filings reveal disturbing conversations between the suspects. Ghafoor allegedly expressed excitement about his name being written on an attack drone. He also purportedly wished to kill millions of Americans, stating a desire to behead a female soldier.
Shamsaldeen allegedly wanted to stab an American service member, and said his mother encouraged violence against Americans. He also played violent video games, imagining they were part of actual terrorist operations.
Pledging Allegiance and Attempted Concealment
All three suspects allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS and its leader. Dzayee reportedly suggested targeting U.S. Green Berets and Special Forces. He also proposed disguising funds transferred to ISIS as ‘donations’ or ‘charity.’ Attempts to move funds via a cryptocurrency ATM were unsuccessful.