A man who prosecutors say attempted to carry out a deadly attack tied to extremist ideology has been sentenced to 11 years in federal prison after authorities stopped him before the plot could be carried out.
According to federal prosecutors, Ibrahim Jalloh, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Sierra Leone, attempted to purchase an AR-15 style rifle from a Virginia gun store as part of a plan to attack members of the U.S. military.
Investigators say Jalloh was initially turned away from the gun store because he lacked proper paperwork, but returned the following day and purchased a different rifle. Authorities say the firearm had secretly been rendered inoperable before he left the store, and he was arrested the next day.
Federal prosecutors argued Jalloh had made multiple attempts to join ISIS and had discussed a plan to carry out a deadly attack, saying he had framed the plot in religious terms and believed it would bring him honor.
The Justice Department originally requested a 20-year prison sentence, while Jalloh’s attorneys asked for 6½ years, citing substance abuse and mental health issues.
Instead, U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady sentenced him to 11 years in federal prison. The judge also ordered Jalloh to undergo mental health and substance abuse treatment while incarcerated.
Court documents reveal Jalloh had previously served as a specialist in the Virginia Army National Guard from 2009 until 2015, when he was honorably discharged.
Investigators say he later became radicalized by extremist propaganda from Anwar al-Awlaki, a former American imam who became an al-Qaida propagandist.
In a letter to the judge, Jalloh expressed regret for his actions and said he had been struggling with drug use and emotional issues following a breakup.
The case highlights how federal investigators sometimes intervene early to stop potential attacks before they occur.
💬 Question for readers:
Do you think law enforcement is doing enough to stop extremist threats before they happen?