Durham Man Pleads Guilty in ISIS-Related Case

A North Carolina man’s reported attempt to join ISIS was thwarted at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, leading to a guilty plea in federal court.

Key Takeaways

Alexander Justin White, from Durham, pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to ISIS.
White may face up to 20 years in prison.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force played a crucial role in apprehending White at the airport.
White used social media to express support for ISIS and communicate his intentions to join the group, according to prosecutors.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about online radicalization and recruitment by extremist groups.

ISIS Supporter Arrested at Airport

Alexander Justin White, a Durham resident, has pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). White was arrested on December 4 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Morocco, where he allegedly planned to join ISIS.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) led the investigation that resulted in White’s arrest. White’s online activities, including posts supporting ISIS and discussions about joining the terrorist group, alerted authorities to his intentions.

Durham Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Support to Terrorists https://t.co/vCKcITqcN2

— USAO_EDNC (@USAO_EDNC) February 11, 2025

Online Radicalization and ISIS Support

Between May and October 2024, White reportedly made numerous online posts supporting ISIS and jihad. Using the alias “Sulaiman Al-Amriki” on Facebook, he shared content glorifying ISIS, including a video posted in July 2024, according to prosecutors. His social media timeline featured posts about well-known ISIS supporters and scholars, raising concerns about the ongoing threat of online radicalization.

“White planned to leave his family, North Carolina, and ultimately his country and fly to Morocco, hoping to actively fight with ISIS. Thanks to the long and countless hours, days, and months, worked by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), Mr. White was literally stopped in his tracks. We are grateful to our JTTF partners for their shared commitment to justice and public safety,” Robert M. DeWitt, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, said.

White’s online activities extended beyond social media posts. He reportedly attempted to make financial transactions to support ISIS and engaged in conversations with individuals claiming to be from the Middle East and Africa. Unbeknownst to White, he also communicated with an undercover FBI agent, further expressing his intent to join ISIS.

Thwarted Travel Plans and Legal Consequences

Reports indicate that in an attempt to avoid suspicion, White booked a round-trip ticket to Rabat, Morocco. However, his plans were foiled when he was arrested at the airport. The guilty plea entered by White in federal court acknowledges his attempt to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

White faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office press release. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gabriel Diaz, Jason Kellhofer, and Andrew Sigler. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by extremist ideologies and the importance of vigilance in combating terrorism.