Crime
Video shows moments 28-year-old Anas Said arrested by FBI Houston for plotting a terrorist attack in Houston
Anas Said is accused of planning a terrorist attack, attempting to provide material support to ISIS, & bragging he would commit “9/11-style” attack.
A federal grand jury has indicted 28-year-old Anas Said for attempting to provide material support to ISIS (the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham), which is designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani and FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. announced that Said is in custody, and a detention hearing is scheduled at 2 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray.
Said was taken into custody on November 8.
Court documents indicate that multiple social media accounts associated with Said contained posts allegedly expressing support for ISIS and its violent actions.
Following Said’s arrest, law enforcement executed searches on his residence, vehicle, and electronic devices.
The subsequent analysis of these seized items reportedly uncovered evidence of Said’s involvement in creating and sharing propaganda on behalf of ISIS.
If convicted, Said could face a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and a potential maximum fine of $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Houston’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), with support from various local and federal agencies, including the Houston and Sugar Land Police Departments, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple federal agencies.
The JTTF includes members from Houston and surrounding areas’ law enforcement, as well as federal agencies such as Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Schammel and Heather Winter, along with Trial Attorneys John Cella, Ryan White, and AJ Dixon from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, are prosecuting the case.
It’s important to note that an indictment is a formal charge, not proof of guilt. As with any accused individual, Said is presumed innocent until proven guilty through the judicial process.
HOUSTON – A large law enforcement response was launched Monday afternoon following reports of an active shooter near the Harris County criminal justice complex in Downtown Houston.
According to authorities, the incident began shortly after 12:30 p.m. near 1115 Congress Street, in the vicinity of the Harris County Family Law Center.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots — with some accounts estimating as many as 30 rounds fired in rapid succession.
More than 40 officers from the Houston Police Department, including members of HPD Special Operations, converged on the scene.
Officials confirmed that a Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy was shot in the shoulder during the exchange.
The deputy was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
The suspect, who exchanged gunfire with officers, was also struck multiple times.
Authorities confirmed that the individual was taken into custody at the scene and is currently receiving medical care.
The identity and motive of the suspect have not yet been disclosed.
It remains unclear whether the shooting took place inside or outside the courthouse building.
A witness employed with the juvenile probation department told that they heard at least eight shots ring out near the courthouse.
Another witness, present at the courthouse for jury duty, said they were instructed to “get down on the floor and cover their heads” during the lockdown.
The area surrounding the courthouse was immediately cordoned off by law enforcement, and the public is being urged to avoid the area as the investigation continues.
Multiple agencies are working jointly to secure the scene and gather evidence.
Further updates are expected as officials release more information regarding the suspect’s condition, possible charges, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting.