A 29-year-old Durham, North Carolina resident, Alexander Justin White, has been charged with providing material support to ISIS. Federal court documents allege White planned to join the terrorist organization in Morocco in December 2024. He allegedly used social media platforms like Facebook and encrypted messaging apps, under the alias "Sulaiman Al-Amriki," to communicate with ISIS supporters, including an undercover FBI agent, expressing his intentions to join the group. White's online conversations revealed his eagerness to travel overseas and join ISIS. He reportedly shared his excitement with the undercover agent, describing a racing heart when contemplating the trip. The complaint highlights White's awareness of ISIS's designation as a foreign terrorist organization and his concerns about being apprehended by law enforcement. In September 2024, White allegedly confirmed his willingness to engage in violence against U.S. military personnel and citizens when questioned by the undercover agent. He also claimed to possess firearms and have proficiency in their use. The FBI included a photo of White at a firing range in July 2024 as evidence. White allegedly shared dreams of fighting alongside ISIS with the agent. After months of online discussions, White booked a flight from Raleigh to Rabat, Morocco, on December 4, 2024. He was arrested by federal agents at Raleigh-Durham International Airport after checking in for his flight and passing through security. Authorities confiscated nearly $7,000 from White and seized several firearms from his Durham apartment. White's arrest follows recent comments by former FBI Director Christopher Wray, who highlighted the growing threat of individuals rapidly radicalized online. Wray cited the January 1st New Orleans terrorist attack, which resulted in 15 deaths, as an example of this concerning trend. White's public defender declined to comment on the ongoing case.

Alexander Justin White, the accused. (FBI)

Image provided by the FBI.

White at a firing range. (FBI)

Former FBI Director Christopher Wray. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)