- Michael Sam Teekaye Jr., 22, of Hanover, Md., was sentenced on July 8 to 15 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, after pleading guilty to attempting to provide material support to ISIS. According to court documents, Teekaye disclosed to an undercover officer his plan to travel to Somalia to join ISIS as a fighter.
- Prosecutors said Teekaye also described a “plan B” to carry out an attack in the United States targeting Jews and people who support Israel. During the investigation, he purchased ammunition and shooting-range time as part of what he called his “training,” attempted to buy a Kalashnikov-style rifle, communicated with a Somali ISIS fighter who helped arrange his travel, and received airline tickets before his planned departure on Oct. 14, 2024.
- After his arrest, investigators found internet searches for Jewish and Israeli individuals and organizations in Howard County, as well as searches such as “how to break into a home” and “how to escape murder.” Prosecutors also said two homemade weapons, including a large knife, were later discovered in Teekaye’s jail cell before sentencing. A local rabbi addressed the court during sentencing, describing the impact of the case on the Jewish community.