A Chicago resident, Ashraf Al Safoo, was convicted in federal court for conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). The conviction comes after evidence showed Al Safoo using social media to promote ISIS activities and recruit members.
Al Safoo led the Khattab Media Foundation, an online organization aligned with ISIS. This group disseminated propaganda and threats across various platforms under the guidance of ISIS. Their content promoted violent jihad, featuring pro-ISIS videos and articles intended to incite terror. In one instance, Al Safoo encouraged members to spread pro-ISIS information to sow confusion among “those who disbelieved.”
The group’s postings often depicted violence and celebrated terrorist acts, including advocating for “lone wolf” attacks in Western countries. Al Safoo was arrested in 2018, and following a bench trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago, he was found guilty on multiple counts related to providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey announced the verdicts, which include charges of conspiracy to transmit threats and unauthorized access to protected computers. These convictions could result in a maximum sentence of 130 years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for October 9, 2025.
The announcement came from Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security at the Department of Justice; and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office.
U.S. Attorney Boutros emphasized the importance of public safety: “Today’s conviction demonstrates that the safety and security of the American public is always a top priority for me and my entire Office.” He highlighted the role of prosecutors and law enforcement in preventing potential threats.
FBI Chicago SAC DePodesta stated: “The conviction of Al Safoo affirms the FBI’s strong commitment to protecting and defending the United States from anyone who seeks to harm our citizens.” He acknowledged the efforts of the FBI Chicago Joint Terrorism Task Force in maintaining community safety.
