A Jordanian national living in Houston has been arrested by authorities in Texas for allegedly training to carry out a possible attack against Jewish people. The arrest has drawn attention from FBI Director Chris Wray, who used the case as an example of the increased risk of terror attacks in the United States. The accused individual, 20-year-old Sohaib Abuayyash, was found to be in the country illegally and had been studying how to build bombs. According to court documents, Abuayyash arrived in the U.S. in 2016 on a tourism visa but left after two months. He returned in 2019 using a Palestine passport and subsequently applied for asylum, which is still pending.
Abuayyash’s immigration status prohibits him from possessing or using firearms or ammunition. However, he was arrested in October for unlawful possession of a firearm. Prior to his arrest, he had posted images and videos on social media showing him training with firearms. According to reports, he had also expressed a desire to go to Gaza to fight.
While the FBI is not currently tracking any credible threats from terrorist groups, Director Wray emphasized that the concern lies with violent extremist individuals or small groups drawing inspiration from events in the Middle East to carry out attacks against Americans in their daily lives.
The arrest of Abuayyash highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive measures to counter potential acts of terrorism within the United States. Authorities are working to ensure the safety of all communities and prevent any harm that could be caused by individuals harboring extremist ideologies.
