Abdisatar Ahmed Hassan was taken into custody and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. According to the criminal complaint, Hassan made two unsuccessful attempts in December 2024 to travel from Minnesota to Somalia with the intention of joining ISIS. He reportedly tried to conceal his true intentions by claiming he was visiting family, despite having no relatives in Somalia. During these attempts, he carried his birth certificate, naturalization certificate, and high school diploma.
The FBI's investigation revealed that Hassan expressed public support for ISIS on social media through various posts. He also communicated with a Facebook account linked to the Manjaniq Media Center, which promotes itself as a media outlet for the Islamic Caliphate and encourages individuals to join ISIS. Additionally, Hassan allegedly praised Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who carried out an ISIS-inspired attack in New Orleans on January 1.
Further evidence included videos posted by Hassan on February 21 showing him driving while holding an ISIS flag inside his vehicle and another video where he drove with an open knife on his lap. On February 26, FBI agents observed him driving again while displaying the ISIS flag.
Hassan faces one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. He appeared in court in the District of Minnesota and was ordered to remain in custody until a formal detention hearing is scheduled.
The FBI is leading the investigation with help from the Minneapolis Joint Terrorism Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar for the District of Minnesota along with Trial Attorneys Ryan White and Charles Kovats Jr. from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
It should be noted that a complaint constitutes only an allegation; all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.