Stockton resident Ammaad Akhtar, 33, was arrested and accused of supporting the terrorist group ISIS by providing cash and materials, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Akhtar said he “want(s) to die in the cause of Allah fighting the kuffar,” according to the DOJ.
Kafir (kuffar) is an Arabic word meaning nonbeliever or infidel. Some interpretations consider a kafir the as second stage of rebellion against God. It is common for supporters of extremist Islamic groups to use variants of the word in interactions with adversaries.
In February 2025, Akhtar began communicating with an individual, controlled by law enforcement, who he believed was a member of ISIS. In the following months, he shared his desire to join ISIS overseas and provided financial support, officials said.
On multiple occasions, Ahktar paid the individual. After being told the money was used for guns, Akhtar offered to send even more money that same day. Additionally, the DOJ said Akhtar planned acts of violence, such as creating and using homemade explosives.
According to officials, on June 23, Akhtar met with an undercover employee whom he believed to be an ISIS associate. He provided the individual with clothing, two loaded guns, additional magazines, binoculars and $400 in cash. He then pledged his loyalty to ISIS.
The case is actively under investigation by the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office. If convicted, Akhtar faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. No additional details were immediately available.
Since the case is in other hands, the Stockton Police Department does not have any additional comments or information, according to Omer Edhah, an officer and spokesperson for Stockton police.
