US Air Force veteran caught trying to join ISIS
Tairod Nathan Webster Pugh, an American citizen, was a former aviationics specialist and veteran from the Air Force.
"Pugh, an American citizen and former member of our military, allegedly abandoned his allegiance to the United States and sought to provide material support to ISIL," Assistant Attorney General Carlin said in a press release from the Department of Justice.
"Identifying and bringing to justice individuals who provide or attempt to provide material support to terrorists is a key priority of the National Security Division."
"As alleged, Pugh, an American citizen, was willing to travel overseas and fight jihad alongside terrorists seeking to do us harm," said Assistant Director in Charge Rodriguez. "U.S. citizens who offer support to terrorist organizations pose a grave threat to our national security and will face serious consequences for their actions. We will continue to work with our partners, both here and abroad, to prevent acts of terrorism. This investigation demonstrates the importance of law enforcement coordination and collaboration here and around the world."
Pugh flew from Egypt to Turkey in order to cross the border into Syria; however, Turkish authorities denied him access to the country and he was forced to return to Egypt. He was deported from Egypt back to the US.
In the US, Joint Terrorism Task Force agents conducted a search of Pugh's electronic devices on January 14, 2015. On his laptop, the agents found internet searches for how to cross into Syria, parts of the Turkish border controlled by ISIS, and downloaded ISIS propaganda videos.
Pugh was arrested on January 16, 2015 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. He has been in custody since his arrest.