A drone projectile reportedly bore the name of one of three men now charged in a federal case for supporting ISIS, a detail that gave investigators a rare glimpse into how the alleged plot was hatched. Federal authorities say the men also moved more than $2,000 in crypto and cash while discussing attacks on U.S. military personnel overseas.
Messages, calls and money
According to the Justice Department, the arrests came Friday after FBI teams visited suspects in Kansas and California. The men identified as Bisaam Ghafoor, 21, Elias Shamsaldeen, 21, and Bereen Dzayee, 25, were charged with conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Prosecutors say the alleged scheme ran from at least February 2025 to June 2026 and extended to Discord chats, voice calls, encrypted apps and other platforms. During those exchanges, investigators say, the men pledged allegiance to ISIS and its leader, talked about traveling outside the United States and discussed violent attacks against U.S. personnel.
Three US citizens arrested in Kansas and California and charged with plotting to support ISIS: Three US citizens allegedly discussed violent attacks and attempted to develop a cryptocurrency scheme to purchase RPGs and drones to attack US military personnel
“This administration has put terrorists, cartels,… pic.twitter.com/gyMCnmXloq
– US Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) June 5, 2026
The complaint says the group sent funds to someone it believed was linked to ISIS and discussed using the money to buy weapons, including drones and rocket-propelled grenades. One exchange reportedly concerned putting Ghafoor’s name on a drone, while another concerned plans to use drones against US special forces.
An arrest in several states
The FBI arrested the three men in Kansas City, Kansas, San Diego and Sacramento, with assistance from multiple field offices and the Justice Department’s National Security Team.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the arrests stopped a plot before anyone was harmed, while FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau took steps to arrest the suspects before an attack could take place.
Source: Getty Images
Officials said the case resulted from a joint terrorist effort led by FBI offices in Kansas City, San Diego and Sacramento. The investigation also had support from FBI offices in Richmond and Newark, demonstrating how widespread the case had become before the arrests.
What prosecutors say happened
Court records cited in the DOJ statement describe the men discussing ways to stab a U.S. service member, harm U.S. troops overseas and die for ISIS.
Prosecutors also said Ghafoor made threats against Americans and that the group planned to go abroad to fight for the organization.
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