Man From Durham Pleads Guilty To Trying To Help ISIS

A North Carolina man has pleaded guilty to attempting to help ISIS, uncovering a deeply concerning case of domestic radicalization.

Quick Takes

Alexander Justin White from Durham admitted guilt in federal court.
He was accused of conspiring to provide material support to ISIS.
White faces potentially 20 years in prison.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force played a pivotal role in his apprehension.

The Guilty Plea

Alexander Justin White, a resident of Durham, North Carolina, has pleaded guilty in federal court after being charged with attempting to aid the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). This development came following his arrest at Raleigh-Durham International Airport by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. He faces severe legal consequences, with a possible 20-year prison sentence if he is convicted, according to a press release.

Investigators revealed that White had made extensive plans under the pseudonym “Sulaiman Al-Amriki,” showcasing an unwavering commitment to join and support ISIS. His alleged online activities between May and October provided the FBI enough evidence to track and eventually arrest him.

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

The ISIS Connection

The FBI uncovered that White maintained a Facebook account where he regularly posted supportive content of ISIS. Between May and October, his posts reportedly glorified the terrorist group, shared information about known supporters, and discussed his intentions to join ISIS actively. In July 2024, a video praising ISIS’s acts was among the content reportedly shared by White, raising red flags within security circles.

“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,” acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar said.

White allegedly engaged in communication with individuals he believed were connected to ISIS in the Middle East and Africa, as well as an undercover FBI agent. These conversations highlighted his intentions, leading to concrete evidence pivotal for the prosecution.

Foiled Plans

White’s aspirations to join ISIS reportedly led him to book a round-trip flight to Morocco to allay suspicion. However, his plans were thwarted when authorities arrested him at Raleigh-Durham International Airport on December 4. His digital communications with the undercover FBI agent divulged his plans and financial transactions attempting to support ISIS, key elements in the investigation.

The diligence and strategic monitoring by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force were crucial in preventing White from executing his plan. This underscores the continued importance of domestic intelligence efforts to thwart terrorist activities at the inception phase. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gabriel Diaz, Jason Kellhofer, and Andrew Sigler are the prosecutors in the case.