Maryland Man Admits to Plotting ISIS Membership and Domestic Attack

A resident of Hanover, Maryland, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to his attempt to join the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and to carrying out an attack within the United States. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, Michael Sam Teekaye, Jr., 22, admitted to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

The case details reveal that between March and April of 2023, Teekaye engaged in conversations with an undercover officer, expressing a desire to travel to Africa to join ISIS as a fighter. He also outlined a “plan B,” which involved attacking individuals in the United States who are Jewish or supportive of Israel. His intentions included researching local buildings associated with Israel and considering methods to carry out attacks. To further his ambitions, Teekaye purchased ammunition and utilized a shooting range in Severn, Maryland, on three separate occasions in May and June of 2024, which he described to the undercover officer as part of his “training.” His attempt to acquire a Kalashnikov K-9 9mm assault rifle in July 2024 was thwarted because he was on probation for a state criminal case.

Further communications between August and October 2024 detailed Teekaye’s discussions with a Somali ISIS fighter about his travel plans to Somalia. His intended route involved flying to Turkey, then to Ethiopia, and subsequently crossing into Somalia. He shared screenshots of an Ethiopian e-Visa obtained from the ISIS fighter and later received airline tickets. His travel itinerary, shared with the undercover officer, indicated a planned departure from Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) on October 14, with a flight to Istanbul, Turkey, and a layover in London.

On October 10, 2024, Teekaye sent a photograph of himself wearing a mask and holding a machete, accompanied by a statement about achieving victory or martyrdom. When questioned by the undercover officer about his resolve to join ISIS, Teekaye affirmed his decision, citing extensive research and the belief that ISIS possessed the most “true and sincere intentions.”

Teekaye was apprehended by FBI agents at BWI on October 14, 2024, after he had checked in for his flight and passed through security. Following his arrest, he made statements indicating his intent to continue his jihadist activities upon release from prison, even after serving a potential 20-year sentence. During these statements, he also acted aggressively towards one of the arresting agents.

Teekaye faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a lifetime of supervised release for his conviction. U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson has scheduled sentencing for July 8. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, its Joint Terrorism Task Force, and assistance from the FBI’s Newark and Richmond Field Offices, as well as the New York Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Hoffman is prosecuting the case, with support from Trial Attorney Elisa Poteat from the DOJ’s National Security Division Counterterrorism Section.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal law enforcement to identify and disrupt threats of terrorism. Residents should be aware that individuals attempting to join or support foreign terrorist organizations, or planning attacks domestically, are subject to severe federal prosecution.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland

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