A California state engineer employed by the Environmental Protection Agency has now reportedly been charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS and issuing violent threats toward Jewish individuals, according to federal prosecutors.
The suspect, Ammaad Akhtar, 33, of Stockton, was arrested earlier this week following a months-long undercover investigation. Authorities allege that Akhtar believed he was in contact with an ISIS operative — who was in fact an undercover FBI agent — and repeatedly expressed his desire to support the terror group both financially and materially.
According to the complaint, Akhtar pledged loyalty to ISIS and stated his willingness to die in the name of jihad. Over several months, he allegedly sent funds to the agent, believing the money would be used to acquire weapons for ISIS.
In June, the charges say, Akhtar met with the agent in person, delivering two loaded handguns, six magazines, binoculars, tactical clothing, and cash. He is said to have performed a symbolic oath of allegiance during the meeting.
In addition to the terrorism-related charges, Akhtar is accused of issuing antisemitic threats and surveilling Jewish individuals and institutions.
Prosecutors say he targeted a man he believed to be an Israeli military veteran, scoped out a synagogue, and spoke of attacking public gatherings. In several statements, he allegedly expressed violent intent and hatred toward Jews, calling for mass killings.
Akhtar was employed as a hazardous substances engineer for the California Environmental Protection Agency. In response to the charges, the agency said it was unaware of any previous indications of extremist behavior and that it is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
The Justice Department charged Akhtar with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and with transmitting threats of violence.
If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison and significant financial penalties.
The case has drawn concern from Jewish organizations and civil rights advocates, who praised federal officials for acting quickly to disrupt what they described as a credible threat.
Officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that Akhtar, while under indictment, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Authorities are continuing to assess whether Akhtar had connections beyond the undercover agent or if others were involved in facilitating his plans.
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