Pakistani Doctor’s Twisted Dream: 18 Years Behind Bars for ISIS Plan
Muhammad Masood Sentenced to 18 Years for Attempting to Join ISIS A Pakistani doctor named Muhammad Masood has been sentenced to 18 years in a U.S. prison for his attempt to join the Islamic State group, according to federal prosecutors. The 31-year-old doctor, residing in Rochester, Minn., had previously pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to the terrorist organization.
During his trial, it was revealed that Masood expressed his intention to participate in “lone wolf attacks” within the United States or to serve as a combat medic for ISIS in the Middle East. Judge Paul A. Magnuson of the U.S. District Court handed down the sentence, which includes 18 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
Muhammad Masood, employed at a research clinic in Rochester, was apprehended in March 2020 at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport just as he was about to board a flight to Los Angeles. His plan was to then board a cargo ship to travel to the Middle East and join the terrorist organization.
Masood’s attorney, Jordan Kushner, referred to the sentence as “extremely harsh” given his client’s history of mental illness. Kushner also presented a psychiatrist’s report that indicated Masood’s actions were influenced by his mental health struggles.
Despite this, prosecutors had advocated for the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Their argument highlighted that Masood knowingly chose the path of becoming a combat medic and soldier for a terrorist organization, despite his successful career.
The investigation into Masood began when authorities discovered his activity on an encrypted social media platform where he sought guidance on traveling to territories controlled by ISIS. He had connected with government informants, whom he believed were members of the group. Conversations with these informants revealed his desire for terrorist activities, including “lone wolf attacks.”
Ultimately, Masood expressed his desire to be on the frontline as a combat medic and fighter for the terrorist organization. His initial plan to reach Syria was thwarted by the pandemic, leading to his arrest in March 2020 at the airport in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Muhammad Masood’s case underscores the challenges in detecting and preventing individuals from attempting to join terrorist organizations, even in the digital age.