A Fremont man appeared in federal court Thursday morning on charges that he tried to travel to Syria and join a branch of Al-Qaeda there, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Adam Shafi, 22, was indicted over the summer and detained at San Francisco International Airport as he tried to board a flight to Istanbul on June 30, prosecutors said.
Shafi allegedly intended to go from Istanbul to Syria to join the al-Nusrah Front, a branch of al-Qaeda operating in Syria and a designated terrorist group, according to the federal government.
Prior to attempting to leave the country, Shafi allegedly told friends in recorded phone conversations that he was willing to die with the group and wanted to spill blood for Allah.
Shafi was indicted by a federal grand jury for one count of providing material support or resources to a designated terrorist organization.
He was arraigned on the charge this morning when he appeared in the courtroom of U.S. Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim and is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing on Tuesday, prosecutors said.
If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Last modified December 17, 2015 2:22 pm
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