One of seven men awaiting trial in the state of Minnesota on charges of plotting to travel to Syria to join the Islamic State group pleaded guilty today.
Hanad Mustafe Musse, 19, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Other counts against him will be dismissed.
"I have committed a terrorist act and I'm guilty of it, your honor," Musse told the judge. Musse faces a maximum of 15 years in prison when he is sentenced by US District Judge Michael Davis. A sentencing date has not been set.
Prosecutors allege Musse and some of his co-defendants took a bus to New York City last November and tried to board flights overseas, with plans to go to Syria. They were part of a larger group that conspired to join the terrorist group.
Musse admitted in court that he learned about the Islamic State group through its online propaganda. He said he viewed the group's members as freedom fighters who are saving the oppressed people of Syria. He said he wanted to join the group even though he knew it has committed beheadings, taken hostages and raped women.
US Attorney Andy Luger, who was in court for the plea hearing, said in a statement: "The facts set forth in Mr. Musse's guilty plea underscore the length and breadth of this criminal conspiracy. This defendant made multiple attempts to leave Minnesota to join ISIL - criminal prosecution was the best remaining option to stop him and potentially save his life."
Luger said youth in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area continue to be the targets of an intense recruiting campaign by the Islamic State group. He said parents, religious leaders, teachers, community leaders and authorities must work together to end the cycle of recruiting.
