A New York man has been charged with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Syed Aman, a U.S. citizen residing in Nassau County, was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport on November 5 while trying to board a flight to Doha, Qatar. From there, he intended to travel to Syria to join ISIS.

According to the criminal complaint filed in Brooklyn federal court, Aman showed his support for ISIS through social media posts and by sending money meant for an ISIS operative. He also made plans to travel to Syria for jihad.

Since October, Aman had been communicating with a confidential human source working with the FBI about his intentions. Aman reportedly expressed that “jihad and hijrah” were priorities for him and voiced hatred towards non-believers. He also shared desires "to kill Americans" on social media and wrote about becoming a martyr for ISIS in a notebook.

Aman's initial attempts to book travel in late October were blocked by his credit card company. On his third attempt, he successfully booked a flight from JFK Airport intending ultimately to reach Syria via Turkey. During this time, he informed the confidential source of carrying a steel pen for self-defense if confronted by law enforcement; such an item was found when he was arrested.

The arrest announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York, and Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells for the FBI’s National Security Branch.

The FBI is leading the investigation into Aman's activities. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Antoinette N. Rangel with help from Trial Attorney T.J. Reardon III of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.

It is important to note that a complaint contains allegations only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.