Breaking news out of Washington, D.C. where we’re seeing reports of a police officer with the Metro Transit Authority has been arrested for attempting to support ISIS:
Metro Transit police officer arrested for attempting to support ISIL. Press release coming soon.
— U.S. Attorney EDVA (@EDVAnews) August 3, 2016
Breaking: DC Metro transit Officer charged with providing support to ISIS. 1st time law enforcement officer has been accused of aiding ISIS
— Edward Lawrence (@EdwardLawrence) August 3, 2016
According to reports, officer Nicholas Young — a 12-year veteran of the force — was caught in an FBI sting attempting to send money and electronic equipment to ISIS. From ABC News:
Authorities believe that while working for the Metro Transit Police Department around Washington, D.C. – a community he swore to protect – officer Nicholas Young was also trying to assist ISIS operatives find more ways to communicate in secret, sources told ABC News.
Young allegedly purchased technology-related items to send to the ISIS operatives so they could evade authorities when contacting each other, according to the sources.
Instead of allegedly engaging with true ISIS associates, however, Young was actually in touch with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Washington, which has been conducting a lengthy undercover investigation into the officer.
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The Washington Post adds that Young had been under surveillance since 2010:
According to authorities, Young has been with the Metro police since 2003. He has been monitored by the FBI since September 2010.
Young is due in court at 2 p.m. today:
Initial appearance at 2pm at Alexandria federal courthouse for police officer charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIL.
— U.S. Attorney EDVA (@EDVAnews) August 3, 2016
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