Doctor Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Attempting to Support ISIS
Muhammad Masood, a doctor from Pakistan who expressed a desire to “fight on the frontline” for the Islamic State group, has been sentenced to 18 years in a U.S. prison, according to federal prosecutors. Masood, 31, pleaded guilty last year to attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization.
Prosecutors revealed that Masood had expressed his intentions to government informants to conduct “lone wolf attacks” in the United States or work as a combat medic for ISIS in the Middle East. His prison term will be followed by five years of supervised release.
Masood, who worked at a research clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, was arrested in March 2020 at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport before he could board a flight to Los Angeles. His plan was to then board a cargo ship to travel to the Middle East and join the terrorist organization.
In response to the sentencing, Masood’s lawyer, Jordan Kushner, called it “extremely harsh” considering his client’s history of mental illness. Kushner referred to a report from a psychiatrist who concluded that Masood’s actions should be understood as a consequence of his mental illness and multiple stressors, rather than an act of devotion to violent extremism and the aims of ISIS.
Prosecutors had requested the maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, arguing that Masood had chosen a path to become a soldier and combat medic for a terrorist organization despite having a successful career.
The investigation into Masood began in January 2020 when authorities discovered that he had sought help on an encrypted social media platform regarding “making hijra,” a term commonly used in Islamic State circles to indicate travel to territories controlled by ISIS for the purpose of “violent jihad.” Masood had been living in the United States on an H-1B visa since 2018 and held a medical license in Pakistan.
On the encrypted social media platform, Masood connected with two government informants whom he believed to be Islamic State members who would assist him in joining the organization. In conversations with the informants, he expressed his dissatisfaction with living in the United States and discussed carrying out lone wolf terrorist attacks.
Ultimately, Masood stated that he belonged on the frontline as a combat medic. He initially planned to reach Syria by flying from Chicago to Jordan in March 2020, but the closure of Jordan’s borders due to the coronavirus pandemic disrupted his plan. Instead, he purchased a ticket for a flight from Minnesota to Los Angeles, where he was arrested by federal agents at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport on March 19, 2020.
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What evidence did authorities find that suggested Masood’s intention to join ISIS and carry out violent acts?
D join ISIS. He was carrying over $1,000 in cash, a dozen phone sim cards, and several laptop computers — one of which contained ISIS propaganda.
During the investigation, authorities discovered that Masood had been communicating with an individual he believed to be an ISIS supporter but was actually an undercover FBI agent. In these conversations, Masood had expressed his willingness to carry out violent acts in support of ISIS.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald said, ”With this sentence, Muhammad Masood, a licensed medical doctor, has been held accountable for attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization that is hell-bent on spreading terror and violence around the globe.”
Masood’s defense attorneys argued that he was mentally ill and that his online statements were mere fantasies that he would not have acted upon. They also mentioned that he had no prior criminal record.
However, the judge ruled that Masood’s statements were serious and that he had taken concrete steps towards carrying out his plans. The judge emphasized the need to deter others who might be inspired by Masood’s actions.
“Dr. Masood violated the trust of his patients, his colleagues, and the community, and today he is being held accountable for his crimes,” said Michael Paul, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis field office.
The case highlights the ongoing threat posed by individuals who are inspired by extremist ideologies and underscores the efforts of law enforcement agencies to prevent acts of terrorism.
Masood’s sentencing serves as an important reminder that individuals who attempt to provide support to terrorist organizations will face severe consequences. It also sends a strong message to those who may be considering similar actions that the United States will not tolerate such activities and will take all necessary steps to protect its citizens and national security.
That’s a necessary and just sentence for someone who posed a serious threat to national security.