Morris County Man Pleads Guilty to Collecting Bomb Making Materials, Resources for ISIS

Morris County resident admits to compiling bomb-making materials and encrypted resources to aid the terrorist organization.

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ - A Budd Lake man pleaded guilty in federal court to concealing his efforts to provide material support to ISIS, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced. Kyse S. Abushanab, 27, admitted before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden that he had gathered and hidden explosive-making instructions and weapons resources for the terrorist organization.

The guilty plea follows a joint investigation by the FBI’s Newark Division and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, which uncovered Abushanab’s efforts to compile and distribute materials related to weapons of mass destruction.

“The crime that Kyse Abushanab admitted to today threatened the safety of Americans both here and abroad,” said U.S. Attorney John Giordano. “Kyse Abushanab gathered and distributed training materials on the making and use of bombs and explosives to ISIS supporters. He concealed these activities through various means, including using encrypted messaging platforms. Abushanab’s activities are a stark reminder that terrorist organizations like ISIS are intent on compromising the safety of Americans around the world. We and our law enforcement partners are fully committed to disrupting these activities to restore safety and security.”

The Case Against Abushanab

Between March 2021 and January 2022, Abushanab collected detailed instructions on making suicide vests, detonators, timers, and explosive devices, intending to provide the information to ISIS and its supporters. Prosecutors revealed that he:

• Used encrypted applications and untraceable email accounts to avoid detection.
• Stored weapons-making guides in secured cloud storage.
• Assembled a repository of bomb-making videos and documents to assist ISIS operatives.

Abushanab pleaded guilty to one count of concealing material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The charge carries:

• A maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
• A fine of up to $250,000.

He is scheduled for sentencing on September 24, 2025.

“At a time when terrorist attacks are fresh in the minds of Americans everywhere, this thwarted effort should serve as a warning to all ISIS and violent extremist ideologists everywhere,” Acting Special Agent in Charge Reilly said. “The FBI Newark Joint Terrorism Task Force will work tirelessly to stop you and your misguided ideology before you harm innocent victims.”

Law Enforcement Response

U.S. Attorney Giordano credited the FBI’s Newark Division, led by Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, under Sheriff James M. Gannon, for their investigation and prevention of a potential security threat.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek of the National Security Unit in Newark, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section.

Law enforcement officials emphasize that terrorism-related threats, including online radicalization and encrypted communications, remain a priority for federal and local agencies. The public is encouraged to report suspicious activity to the FBI or local authorities.

This case underscores New Jersey’s commitment to national security and the ongoing efforts to prevent extremist threats in local communities.