A man from Morris County, New Jersey, has admitted to concealing his efforts to provide material support and resources to ISIS. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney John Giordano, Sue Bai of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division, and FBI-Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly.
Kyse S. Abushanab, 27, from Budd Lake, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court. He faced a one-count information charge for concealing material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
U.S. Attorney John Giordano stated: “The crime that Kyse Abushanab admitted to today threatened the safety of Americans both here and abroad.” He added that Abushanab had gathered and distributed training materials on bomb-making to ISIS supporters using encrypted messaging platforms.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Reilly commented: “At a time when terrorist attacks are fresh in the minds of Americans everywhere, this thwarted effort should serve as a warning to all ISIS and violent extremist ideologists everywhere.”
Court documents reveal that between March 2021 and January 2022, Abushanab compiled resources related to weapons of mass destruction for ISIS members and supporters. This included videos and documents with instructions on making explosives and incendiary devices. To avoid detection by law enforcement, he used encrypted applications and untraceable email accounts.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing is set for September 24, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Giordano credited the investigation's success to special agents from the FBI under Acting Special Agent in Charge Reilly's direction and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office led by Sheriff James M. Gannon.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek represents the government with help from the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section.
Defense counsel includes Robert C. Scrivo, Esq., and Andrew Gimigliano, Esq.
