CHICAGO — A federal court has convicted a Chicago man of using social media to recruit for ISIS and incite terror across the United States.
In a landmark judgment that highlights the growing threat of digital extremism, 41-year-old Ashraf Al Safoo was found guilty of a series of terrorism-related charges after a bench trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The verdict marks the conclusion of a years-long case that began with his arrest in 2018.
Conviction on Multiple Terrorism Charges
Al Safoo was convicted on the following charges:
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One count of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization
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One count of conspiracy to transmit threats in interstate commerce
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One count of conspiracy to intentionally access a protected computer without authorization
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Four counts of intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization
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Four counts of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization
Federal prosecutors stated that Al Safoo was a key figure in the Khattab Media Foundation, an online propaganda wing that pledged allegiance to ISIS and produced violent extremist content to recruit followers and incite attacks.
Coordinated Pro-ISIS Digital Campaigns
According to U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros, Al Safoo was directly involved in producing and publishing videos, essays, infographics, and articles glorifying ISIS. He operated in coordination with the Islamic State, aiming to radicalize individuals worldwide through well-structured social media campaigns.
The WGN-TV report confirmed that Khattab Media content included violent imagery, praised previous terrorist attacks, and encouraged lone-wolf style operations in Western countries.
Online Messages That Spread Fear
In one documented post, Al Safoo urged other Khattab contributors to “cause confusion and spread terror within the hearts of those who disbelieved.” Another message read:
“Participate in the war, and spread terror, the [Islamic] State does not want you to watch it only, rather, it incites you, and if you are unable to, use it to incite others.”
Federal prosecutors emphasized that these posts were not merely rhetorical — they were strategic calls to action intended to inspire real-world violence.
Upcoming Sentencing and Potential Sentence
Al Safoo has remained in federal custody since his arrest. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 9, 2025, and faces a maximum sentence of 130 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Boutros called the conviction “a testament to the vigilance and dedication of prosecutors and law enforcement partners,” adding that the case underscores the government’s commitment to disrupt and prevent terrorism at its roots.
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