According to the Department of Justice, Herman Wilson of New Mexico was arrested on Friday (August 26) after he allegedly attempted to create an ISIS training center in New Mexico.
Wilson, also known as Bilal Mu’Min Abdullah, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges relating to an attempt to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and an attempt to obstruct, influence, and impede at least one official proceeding.
Court records reveal that between January 2020 and November 2021, Wilson allegedly attempted to provide material support to ISIS in a bid to set up an “Islamic State Center” in New Mexico.
The training center was meant to train attendees on ISIS ideology, give training in martial arts and tactical maneuvers and act as a “haven” for those who wanted to travel and fight for ISIS.
The DOJ also notes that between May 2019 and September 2020, Wilson allegedly helped operate an online platform that prompted ISIS teachings, helped recruit others, and provided a space for discussions on terrorist attacks in the US and around the world.
According to the DOJ, when Wilson shut down the online platform, he allegedly impeded and obstructed an official proceeding, as his actions led to the destruction of records.
In September 2020, after two users of the platform were arrested for providing material support to ISIS, Wilson instructed other users of the platform to destroy evidence they used the online group. The two users later pleaded guilty to their chargers.
If convicted, Wilson could face up to 20 years in prison for each count.
