North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty in ISIS Support Case

A North Carolina man has pleaded guilty to attempts to support ISIS, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Key Takeaways

Alexander Justin White pleaded guilty in federal court to making attempts to help ISIS.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) was crucial in apprehending White.
White faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted for conspiring to aid ISIS.
Web activity under the alias “Sulaiman Al-Amriki” revealed radical intentions.
White allegedly engaged with an undercover FBI agent about plans to travel to Morocco and join ISIS.

The Arrest and Legal Proceedings

Alexander Justin White, also known as “Sulaiman Al-Amriki” online, was halted just before boarding a flight at Raleigh-Durham International Airport back in December. Charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, he pled guilty to federal charges. A well-coordinated investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) led to his capture.

White’s social media activities, especially his alleged posts supporting ISIS from May to October, flagged his radical leanings. He reportedly expressed intentions to join ISIS and possibly participate in jihad. His arrest has spotlighted concerns over domestic terrorism and the role of social media in radicalization.

After an #FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation, a Durham man plead guilty to conspiring to provide support to terrorists.https://t.co/5tn9j77Fil pic.twitter.com/UFdf7dbnMp

— FBI Charlotte (@FBICharlotte) February 12, 2025

FBI’s Role in Prevention

Effective measures by the FBI’s JTTF were instrumental in preventing a potential domestic terror act. Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar praised the FBI’s role: “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. This is just one example of how the JTTF’s tireless work protects our communities.”

Special Agent in Charge, Robert M. DeWitt, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the shared commitment of law enforcement to ensure public safety. White was suspected as a security threat, primarily based on his online intent to travel to Morocco to unite with ISIS.

Social Media as a Tool for Radicalization

White’s online alias, “Sulaiman Al-Amriki,” reportedly structured a digital pathway for potential radicalization. Prosecutors alleged that via platforms like Facebook, he expressed allegiance to ISIS, communicated with individuals linked to the Middle East, and engaged unknowingly with an undercover FBI agent. The digital age has reshaped terror recruitment, making vigilance on such platforms critical.

White’s case underlines the significance of cybersecurity, intelligence operations, and collaborative policing in countering terrorism. The upcoming trial could amplify discussions surrounding domestic terrorism, cybersecurity, and border safety.