This article reports on the arrest of Bereen Dzayee and two others accused of plotting to support ISIS and attack American servicemembers, outlining the alleged scheme, the charges, law enforcement statements, neighborhood reactions, and the broader questions raised if a former sailor is confirmed to have been involved.
Bereen Dzayee, 25, from Lakeside, California, was taken into federal custody last Friday on terrorism charges. Authorities say he, along with two others, spent more than a year discussing attacks, raising funds, and planning how to support ISIS overseas. Prosecutors allege the scheme involved drones and rocket-propelled grenades aimed at U.S. servicemembers deployed abroad. If proven, these actions amount to a direct betrayal of American service and public trust.
The FBI arrested Dzayee with Bisaam Ghafoor, 21, of Leawood, Kansas, and Elias Shamsaldeen, 21, of Porterville, California. The three face charges of conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, each carrying a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Investigators say the group used Discord chats, voice calls, and other messaging platforms from at least February 2025 through June 2026 to coordinate. Allegations include pledges of allegiance to ISIS and talk of traveling overseas to fight for the group.
Prosecutors claim the defendants collectively provided more than $2,000 to someone they believed was an ISIS member to buy drones and rocket-propelled grenades. The complaint also says the group explored a cryptocurrency scheme to fund operations. Those financial moves, however small in dollar amount, are significant because they show intent and operational planning beyond idle talk. Law enforcement officials stress that even modest funds can facilitate deadly attacks when paired with specialized weapons and technology.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said: “This administration has put terrorists, cartels, and gangs on notice. Today’s arrest of three individuals who allegedly conspired to provide material support to ISIS makes clear our commitment to taking down terrorist networks, anywhere. Thanks to the vigilance of the FBI, their alleged scheme was dismantled and further acts of violence against U.S. service members were prevented.” That statement frames the arrest as an example of robust federal action to protect Americans and our troops abroad.
Federal allegations paint a grim picture of rhetoric and intent. Prosecutors allege Ghafoor said it would be “sick” to have his name written on a drone used in an attack, and that his name appeared on the projectile of one rocket-propelled grenade. They also claim he discussed beheading a female soldier and said, “I wish I could kill 300,000,000 Americans.” Shamsaldeen is accused of expressing a desire to stab and injure a U.S. servicemember and contributing money toward drone purchases. Dzayee allegedly suggested using drones to target U.S. Special Forces personnel.
FBI Director Kash Patel noted: “These subjects allegedly swore allegiance to ISIS, plotted multiple attacks, and even targeted U.S. service members, but this FBI stopped them cold. The success of this op shows once again this FBI’s continued record of stopping terrorist attacks before they happen, simply the best way to defend the homeland, and shows we’ll stop at nothing to defend Americans from those who seek to do us harm.” That kind of direct language underscores a law-and-order perspective that prioritizes preventive action to protect troops and citizens.
Joint Terrorism Task Force teams coordinated arrests and searches across multiple regions, including Kansas City, San Diego, Sacramento, Richmond, and Newark. Neighbors in a quiet Lakeside cul-de-sac reported tactical agents arriving early in the morning and surrounding Dzayee’s home. One neighbor described seeing what appeared to be a white van pull up and tactical personnel jump out and secure the residence. Residents said the visible presence of a task force naturally raised alarm and concern in the neighborhood.
A neighbor told NBC 7: “We looked out — it seemed to me like it was a white van that pulled up and tactical guys jumped out and surrounded the house. Very odd in this neighborhood. So the neighbors started coming out. We didn’t approach, but we were watching.” Another resident recounted asking an FBI agent if the house might blow up and being reassured, “No, we’re arresting someone. That’s all we’ve got.” Agents reportedly spent hours searching the home and interviewing Dzayee’s parents during the operation.
Local reports include photographs posted on a family member’s social media that appear to show Dzayee in a Navy uniform, and multiple neighbors and a former classmate identified him as a former U.S. Navy sailor. The Pentagon has not publicly confirmed his service status, and the federal complaint does not address his military background. If his prior service is verified, it raises serious questions about vetting, monitoring, and how someone who once wore the uniform could allegedly plan to harm fellow Americans overseas.
The arrests expose gaps and dangers that demand clear answers, especially when allegations involve someone with military ties. For Republicans and others focused on national security, the case reinforces the need for strong counterterrorism efforts, thorough vetting, and continuous monitoring of threats to our troops. The criminal process will determine guilt, but the facts alleged so far call for vigilance and swift action to protect servicemembers and the homeland.
If all these facts presented are true; then absolutely without any delay send Bereen Dzayee and the two others accomplices accused of plotting to support ISIS and attack American service members to GITMO NOW to face a Military Tribunal and immediate summery execution!