the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, Karrem Nasr, a 23-year-old from New Jersey, has been arrested by the FBI on charges of attempting to provide material support to the African-based terrorist organization al Shabaab. The arrest comes after Nasr reportedly became inspired to wage Jihad following the October 7 terrorist attacks. He is accused of flying from Egypt to Kenya on December 14 with the intent of joining the terrorist organization. Nasr allegedly communicated with an FBI confidential source, expressing his strong anti-American sentiments and indicating his readiness to engage in violent jihad. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized Nasr’s willingness to kill and be killed for the jihadist cause, describing America as ‘evil’ in his statements. Nasr is expected to appear in federal court later today.

Continue reading New Jersey Man Inspired by Hamas Arrested on Terrorism Charges

Washington DC, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert , “We are following reports of multiple peaceful protests by Iranian citizens in cities across the country. Iran’s leaders have turned a wealthy country with a rich history and culture into an economically depleted rogue state whose chief exports are violence, bloodshed, and chaos. As President Trump has said, the longest-suffering victims of Iran’s leaders are Iran’s own people.

The United States strongly condemns the arrest of peaceful protesters. We urge all nations to publicly support the Iranian people and their demands for basic rights and an end to corruption.

On June 14, 2017, Secretary Tillerson testified to Congress that he supports “those elements inside of Iran that would lead to a peaceful transition of government. Those elements are there, certainly as we know.” The Secretary today repeats his deep support for the Iranian people.