An individual from Midlothian, Texas, named John Michael Garza Jr., aged 21, has been accused of international terrorism. He allegedly provided money and bomb-making materials to an undercover FBI agent whom he believed to be linked to ISIS. The US Department of Justice disclosed this information on December 29.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the need to eradicate ISIS’s harmful ideology and warned that those attempting violence on behalf of ISIS will be apprehended and prosecuted. John Michael Garza Jr. appeared before a federal magistrate judge on December 23, with a probable cause and detention hearing set for December 30.
If found guilty, Garza could potentially face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. The US Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, highlighted the importance of swift action to prevent potentially catastrophic outcomes. He stressed the necessity of thwarting threats posed by individuals aligned with violent ideologies.
According to the Justice Department, an undercover officer from the New York Police Department discovered a social media account in mid-October that was engaging with pro-ISIS content. Subsequent investigations linked this account to Garza.
Garza, who identified himself as a 21-year-old Mexican-American residing in Texas, allegedly expressed support for the ISIS ideology and shared official ISIS media releases. He reportedly sent cryptocurrency to the undercover officer, believing it would aid ISIS-related activities, including purchasing weapons.
Garza also shared videos related to bomb-making and suicide bombings. He planned to acquire materials for making explosives and met with an individual he believed to be an ISIS supporter, who was actually an FBI agent. During this meeting, Garza handed over explosive components and provided instructions on assembling them.
Law enforcement officials promptly arrested Garza after the exchange. FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock commended the collaborative effort that led to Garza’s arrest. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the FBI Dallas, NYPD, Dallas Police Department, Midlothian Police Department, and Euless Police Department.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch underscored the ongoing threat of terrorism and extremist violence, affirming the commitment to identify and dismantle such networks before they can carry out attacks. Tisch warned that individuals endangering American lives will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
