Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
FBI Arrests Brooklyn Man Who Allegedly Traveled To Yemen To Join ISIS
By
Gaby Del Valle
Published Nov 21, 2016
Modified Nov 21, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Getty
By
Gaby Del Valle
Published Nov 21, 2016
Modified Nov 21, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The FBI has arrested a Brooklyn man for allegedly "providing material support" to ISIS after traveling to Yemen last year.
Mohammed Rafik Naji, 37, was arrested for allegedly traveling to Yemen and Turkey in March in an attempt to join the terrorist group—while in Yemen, police say he "persistently tried to travel to areas" controlled by the Islamic State, and once emailed an "associate" to say he was on his fifth attempt to try and reach ISIS-controlled territory. In April 2015, he emailed his friend a video file with sounds of gunfire, reportedly saying "First day on the job."
According to the FBI, Naji began expressing support of ISIS on social media shortly beforehand, in December 2014. He returned to the United States from Yemen in September 2015, and allegedly continued expressing support for ISIS after his return. After the deadly Bastille Day attack in Nice, in which a truck driver killed 84 people by barreling into crowds watching a fireworks displace, Naji expressed support for a similar attack in Times Square. In 2015, he allegedly claimed his allegiance to ISIS, saying "I belong to Islamic State only."
"They want an operation in Times Square, reconnaissance groups already put out a scene," Kaji reportedly told an FBI informant in July 2015. "The Islamic State already put up scenes of Times Square ... I said that was an indication for whoever is smart to know."
Earlier this month, an online, English-language ISIS magazine recommended the 90th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as an "excellent target" for an attack that could be carried out by a lone wolf. The magazine said that anyone behind the wheel of a large truck can inflict just as much damage as a regular military fighter, the NY Post reports. (The NYPD announced last week that security will be tight and officers are on high alert for this year's parade.)
"The defendant was persistent in his efforts to join ISIL and support its terrorist objectives, U.S. Attorney Robert L. Capers said in a statement. "We will continue to identify and prosecute individuals like Naji who seek to empower our nation's enemies and endanger our citizens and partners around the world."
Tagged
fbi
isis
islamic state
Mohammed Rafik Naji
original
Gaby Del Valle
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NJ Transit riders face 5 weeks of schedule disruptions starting Sunday
NJ Transit and Amtrak riders should prepare for cancellations, schedule changes and longer commutes as work continues on the new Portal North Bridge.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET
For a Democrat in a traditionally red NJ district, how to woo Republican voters
The first-time Democrat says it’s still “a toss-up race” between her and incumbent GOP Rep. Tom Kean.
By
Mike Hayes
News
For a Democrat in a traditionally red NJ district, how to woo Republican voters
The first-time Democrat says it’s still “a toss-up race” between her and incumbent GOP Rep. Tom Kean.
By
Mike Hayes
2 pedestrians killed in Bronx crash after driver ran red light, police say
By
Brittany Kriegstein
and
Ann Givens
Rain could put a damper on NYC’s long weekend. Here’s when it will clear.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Holy civics! NYC schools' own comic books in the spotlight at Comic Con
By
Jessica Gould
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .