USA v. Saleh, Munther Omar
Queens, NY

Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)

[EDNY] Munther Omar Saleh, a student at a college in Queens, NY, was charged with conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Saleh allegedly plotted a bomb attack in New York City on behalf of ISIL. While under surveillance, he searched for various weapons and bombs as well as New York landmarks. Saleh had expressed support for Islamic State on Twitter, saying he thought al Qaida was "getting too moderate" and praised ISIL for their "high end videos, great weaponry, and quality fighters." He expressed support for the "establishment of an ISIL military presence and Sharia law in New York City" and allegedly translated ISIL propaganda materials into English. Saleh's accomplice, Fareed Mumuni of Staten Island was charged with attacking law enforcement agents. Mumuni is also suspected of plotting to help ISIS. Both Saleh and Mumuni pleaded guilty to all charges in the terrorism case. Saleh was sentenced to 18 years in prison, to be followed by a term of 10 years' supervised release.