Houston teen arrested on charges of terrorism, accused of trying to help ISIS
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- On Monday night, the FBI visited the home of a Houston man charged with terrorism. Four men arrived at the home, one was carrying a backpack.
An 18-year-old Houston man is facing charges related to terrorism, accused of distributing instructions for making bombs and helping to support ISIS.
Kaan Sercan Damlarkaya was arrested on Friday. Authorities say in August, Damlarkaya was communicating online with undercover FBI agents and other sources. He reportedly told them he planned to go overseas to fight for ISIS. But if he couldn't do that, he allegedly planned to commit an attack in the U.S.
Mehnaz Khan said she was Damlarkaya's former boss. She said he worked for her Sugar Land restaurant about a year ago. She was shocked to hear the news.
"I didn't have any problems with him. He was always a good kids so it's really hard to believe something like that," said Mehnaz Khan.
Damlarkaya provided instructions on how to build an AK-47 or AR-15 assault rifle from readily available parts in order to avoid detection from authorities, according to the criminal complaint.
Additionally, Damlarkaya provided a formula to alleged ISIS supporters for explosives and instructions on how to use them in a pressure cooker device that contained shrapnel, according to the allegations. He also discussed the use of a machete or Samurai sword as an alternative to a gun or explosive. The criminal complaint adds that he claimed to carry a knife in the event he was stopped by law enforcement and that he slept with a machete under his pillow in case his house was ever raided.
Neighbors said Damlarkaya's family kept to themselves and they were shocked to hear the news.
"Kind of surprised. They seemed like the clique, just peaceful neighbors," said Jonathan Scott, a neighbor.
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If convicted of unlawfully distributing explosives information or attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, Damlarkaya faces a possible 20-year maximum term of imprisonment. He made his first court appearance Monday morning.
