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A 22-year-old man from Maryland has pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State (IS) group.
Authorities uncovered plans to attack Jewish people and individuals who support Israel inside the United States.
Undercover Operation Uncovers Violent Intent
Federal investigators working undercover engaged with the defendant, Michael Teekaye, during multiple interactions in spring 2023. According to court filings, Teekaye said he wanted to travel abroad to fight alongside IS in Africa.
When that plan failed, he shifted course. Teekaye told the undercover agent he intended to carry out attacks inside the United States. Prosecutors said he identified sites tied to Jewish and pro-Israel communities. He also spoke openly about wanting to shoot people connected to them.
Federal officials said those statements showed clear hostile intent.
Efforts to Acquire Weapons and Support ISIS
In 2024, Teekaye took steps that prosecutors say demonstrated escalating preparation for violence. He purchased ammunition and paid for sessions at a Maryland shooting range. He told the undercover officer he was training for Islamic State-related activity.
Teekaye later tried to purchase a rifle similar to an AK-style assault weapon. The sale was blocked because he was on probation in a separate criminal case. After that denial, court records show he contacted an IS member in Somalia. He said he hoped to travel there and join the group.
Teekaye shared screenshots showing a proposed travel plan and visa details.
Extremist Messaging and Threats
On October 10, 2024, Teekaye sent the undercover operative a photo of himself wearing a black face covering. He was holding a large machete. The image included a message referencing “victory or shahada,” a term associated with martyrdom. He wrote that he would act either in the United States or abroad.
When asked about his commitment to IS, Teekaye said he was fully committed. He claimed to have researched the group extensively. He described IS as the most sincere extremist organization.
Arrest and Continued Threats
FBI agents arrested Teekaye on October 14, 2024. The arrest took place at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport as he attempted to travel.
According to prosecutors, Teekaye continued making threats after his arrest. He said prison would not change his beliefs. He also declared that jihad “will never stop” and vowed to carry out violence in the future.
Teekaye faces up to 20 years in federal prison. He would also be subject to lifetime supervised release. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 8, 2026.
Prosecutors Highlight Clear Threat
U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes for the District of Maryland said the case involved concrete steps toward violence. She cited Teekaye’s attempt to obtain a high-powered firearm. She also pointed to his research into locations tied to Jewish and pro-Israel communities.
Those actions, Hayes said, showed the threat was real and immediate.
📰 MARYLAND MAN ADMITS ISIS PLOT
A 22 year old man from Hanover has pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to provide material support to ISIS, according to U.S. prosecutors.
• Michael Sam Teekaye Jr. sought to travel abroad to join ISIS
• Told an undercover officer he… pic.twitter.com/fMkYMwvlO5— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) January 31, 2026
The guilty plea comes amid growing concern over antisemitic violence nationwide. An FBI report released in August 2025 found that Jews were targeted in roughly 70 percent of religion-based hate crimes in 2024.
The report documented 1,938 anti-Jewish incidents. That figure marked the highest total since the FBI began tracking hate crime data in 1991.
Officials said the Teekaye case showed how jihadist ideology and antisemitism often converged. Together, they create direct threats to Jewish communities across the United States.
Take Action
CAM has launched Report It — a secure app to report antisemitic incidents anonymously and in real time. Don’t stay silent — download it today on the Apple Store or Google Play. See it. Report it. Stop it. Together, we can fight this hate.
