Overview
- John Michael Garza Jr., 21, of Midlothian, Texas, is charged with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group.
- An undercover NYPD employee first engaged Garza in mid-October after identifying a social media account that followed pro-ISIS channels.
- Authorities say Garza expressed support for ISIS, shared official propaganda, and sent small cryptocurrency transfers he believed would fund weapons and other materials.
- On Dec. 22, he allegedly handed over bomb components, explained how to mix them, suggested adding nails for shrapnel, and offered an instructional video before being arrested.
- Garza made an initial appearance on Dec. 23, faces up to 20 years if convicted, and the joint FBI–NYPD probe was aided by FBI New York and local Dallas-area police.