Suspected ISIL Sympathizer Pleads Guilty to Gun Charges

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI — A Dearborn Heights man suspected of supporting Islamic State extremists and plotting an attack on a 6,000-member Detroit church pleaded guilty to firearms charges Tuesday in federal court, authorities said.

Appearing before before U.S. District Judge George Caram Steeh, Khalil Abu-Rayyan, 22, pleaded guilty to making a false statement to acquire a firearm and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade said in a statement.

He faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on Jan. 9, 2017.

Abu-Rayyan hasn’t been charged with any terrorism related offenses, but had been on the FBI’s terror watch list since May 2015.

Authorities said that on his social media sites, as well as in conversations with an undercover FBI employee, Abu-Rayyan indicated his support for the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant and his desire to conduct a martyrdom operation, including with the use of firearms.

Story Timeline

• FBI: Dearborn Heights Man Planned ISIS-Inspired Attack
• Accused in Terror Threat, Dearborn Heights Man Appears in Court
• Dad Seeks Custody of Son in ISIS Terror Threat
• Man In ISIS Terror Plot Seduced By FBI Agent: Attorney
• Attorney: Alleged ISIS Sympathizer Deserves Bond
• Suspected ISIS Sympathizer Poses Danger: Feds

He has been in custody since February, though his attorney, Todd Shaker, has argued in court that the FBI used “extraordinary tactics” to manipulate his client, including using an undercover FBi agent posing as a depressed, suicidal Sunni Muslim 19-year-old prepared to commit martyrdom.

Rayyan only made the statements because he was falling in love with her and wanted to impress her, Shaker has said.

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