Michele Beckwith Acting U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California
Ammaad Akhtar, a 33-year-old resident of Stockton, has been arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS), as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
Court documents reveal that since February 2025, Akhtar engaged in online communications with an individual he believed to be affiliated with ISIS. This individual was actually controlled by law enforcement. During these exchanges, Akhtar expressed his support for ISIS and jihad, indicated a desire to travel overseas to join ISIS, and mentioned plans to send guns and money.
In April 2025, Akhtar made several financial contributions as part of his intention to support ISIS. Following these transactions, the law enforcement-controlled contact informed him that the funds had been used to acquire firearms. In response, Akhtar stated, “may Allah destroy our enemies” and committed to sending additional money on the same day.
Akhtar also discussed plans for violent acts, including targeting a specific person and using homemade explosives in an attack. He expressed a wish "to die in the cause of Allah fighting the kuffar [infidels]" and sought guidance on constructing an explosive device for use at a crowded event.
On June 23, 2025, Akhtar met with someone he thought was associated with ISIS but who was actually an undercover operative. During this meeting, he provided clothing, binoculars, $400 in cash, two loaded firearms, and six extra magazines before pledging loyalty (bayat) to ISIS.
The investigation leading to these charges involved collaboration between the Federal Bureau of Investigation Field Offices in New York and Sacramento along with the New York City Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Wong and Trial Attorney Ryan D. White from the National Security Division.
If found guilty, Akhtar could face up to 20 years in prison along with a $250,000 fine. Sentencing would be determined by the court after considering statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines which account for various elements. It is important to note that charges are allegations at this stage; Akhtar remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
