News and Headlines

Actions

Prosecutors call wannabe Islamic State fighter a flight risk

Posted at 10:44 PM, Jun 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-23 22:44:19-04

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Federal prosecutors say an 18-year-old Indiana man accused of trying to travel overseas to join the Islamic State militant organization should be held until trial because he's a flight risk.

The government's motion filed in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis seeks to have Akram Musleh detained until he's tried on a charge of providing material support to the Islamic State.

It argues there's "a serious risk" Musleh will flee and cites the Brownsburg, Indiana, man's alleged repeated attempts to travel overseas to join the group.

PREVIOUS | Classmates recall Akram Musleh as outgoing joker | FBI: Brownsburg man tried to join Islamic State

Musleh faces a Monday detention hearing.

His public defender hasn't responded to requests for comment.

FBI agents arrested Musleh in Indianapolis Tuesday as he tried to board a New York-bound bus. Prosecutors say he planned to fly to Morocco then travel to Islamic State-controlled territory.