A 21-year-old man from Texas has been charged with international terrorism for allegedly supporting the Islamic State group. John Michael Garza Jr., from Midlothian, provided bomb-making materials and money to individuals he believed were affiliated with ISIS. The U.S. Department of Justice announced these charges on a recent Monday.
Details of the Case Against Garza
According to the federal authorities, Garza was involved in a sting operation conducted by undercover agents. In December 2022, he met with an agent he believed was connected to ISIS. During this meeting, he reportedly discussed methods for creating explosives and even planned to share a bomb-making instructional video.
Timeline of Events
- October 2022: An undercover New York City Police Department officer discovers Garza’s social media account.
- November-December 2022: Garza allegedly transfers small amounts of cryptocurrency, believing he is financially supporting ISIS.
- December 22, 2022: The sting operation culminates with Garza’s detailed discussions about explosives.
- December 23, 2022: Garza makes his initial court appearance in the U.S. District Court for Northern Texas.
Potential Consequences
If convicted, Garza faces a significant prison sentence of up to 20 years. His case highlights ongoing concerns regarding domestic terrorism and the commitment of law enforcement agencies to address such threats. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized this dedication, warning individuals attempting to launch attacks against the U.S. on behalf of terrorist organizations that they will be held accountable.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Garza’s legal proceedings are ongoing. Federal prosecutors are scheduled to present evidence against him at a probable cause and detention hearing. The outcome of this case could set important legal precedents in the fight against international terrorism.
