"As alleged, Sajmir Alimehmeti, a Bronx man and an ISIL [Islamic State] sympathizer, took steps to travel overseas to support ISIL’s terror campaign," Bharara stated.
According to court documents, Alimehmeti, 22, attempted to travel to the United Kingdom in October 2014, but was denied entry after UK authorities found camouflage clothing and nun-chucks in his luggage.
Alimehmeti was denied access to the UK again in December 2014 after authorities found numerous images on a cell phone that contained Daesh insignia.
Prosecutors also allege that Alimehmeti was in possession of numerous military-style knives and other military-type equipment, including masks, handcuffs, a pocket chain-saw and steel-knuckled gloves at the time of his arrest.
Alimehmeti was charged with providing support to a terrorist organization and making false statements in an application for a US passport. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
