A Durham resident, Alexander Justin White, has admitted guilt in a Wilmington court to charges of conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a recognized foreign terrorist organization. The 29-year-old was detained on December 4, 2024, as he prepared for an international flight with the intent to join ISIS. A conviction could result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar praised the efforts of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) in apprehending White. "In this case, the great work of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) was on display, leading to the apprehension and arrest of an individual planning to join ISIS and potentially engage in terrorist acts against the United States or other allies," Bubar stated.
Between May and October 2024, White reportedly posted content supporting ISIS and jihad online. These included recruitment videos, fundraising appeals, and references to known ISIS supporters. Allegations also suggest that White attempted financial transactions benefiting ISIS camps and discussed his plans to join ISIS with others through social media platforms like Facebook and encrypted messaging apps.
Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, acknowledged the dedication of JTTF members who intercepted White's plans. "White planned to leave his family, North Carolina, and ultimately his country and fly to Morocco, hoping to actively fight with ISIS," said DeWitt.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Raleigh-based JTTF—a coalition of local investigators from various law enforcement agencies focused on counterterrorism efforts nationwide.
The announcement was made by Daniel P. Bubar with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gabriel Diaz, Jason Kellhofer, and Andrew Sigler prosecuting under the National Security Division Counterterrorism Section.
Further information regarding related court documents can be accessed via PACER or through the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina's website under Case No. 5:25-CR-00009-M.