Houston Man Arrested by FBI for Alleged Plot to Support ISIS, Plan Terror Attack

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced Thursday that the FBI arrested a Houston resident who allegedly attempted to support ISIS and plotted a terrorist attack in the U.S. Anas Said, 28, was charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization.

According to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani and FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr., Said was arrested on November 8 and remains in custody, with a detention hearing scheduled before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray in Houston. Authorities allege that multiple social media accounts linked to Said displayed messages supporting ISIS and the violent attacks carried out in its name. Searches of Said's residence, vehicle, and electronic devices reportedly uncovered materials related to ISIS propaganda.

If convicted, Said faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.

FBI Special Agent Williams stated that Said was apprehended at his apartment complex last week. Said allegedly resisted, smashing his cell phone during the encounter. Williams further disclosed that Said had admitted to offering his residence as a sanctuary for ISIS operatives, researching ways to attack local military recruitment centers, and expressing his intent to conduct a “9/11-style” attack if he had the resources. Said allegedly attempted to produce propaganda content for ISIS as well.

The FBI’s Houston division issued a statement following the arrest, saying, “We stopped a potential terrorist attack from happening right here in Houston! Any day we can publicly say that is a good day.”

The FBI had reportedly interviewed Said on four occasions in 2018 over the purchase of ISIS-related propaganda stickers. While Said claimed in 2019 that he no longer engaged with radical content, evidence provided by Meta last year revealed 11 Facebook accounts linked to Said showing continued support for ISIS.

Law enforcement continues to review the seized devices and social media accounts linked to Said’s activities.