Chicago man convicted in ISIS terror case after trying to recruit members on social media and encourage attacks
Ashraf Al Safoo, 41, faces up to 130 years for terror-related convictions
Erin Keller
In Ohio
Saturday 28 June 2025 11:52 EDT
Federal prosecutors said Ashraf Al Safoo, 41, led an ISIS-linked online group that spread propaganda to incite terror and recruit supporters
An Iraqi-born Chicago man arrested in 2018 was convicted Friday for using social media to recruit members for ISIS and encourage violent jihad.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Ashraf Al Safoo, 41, led the Khattab Media Foundation, an online group aligned with ISIS, which spread pro-ISIS propaganda, including videos, articles, and infographics, to incite terror and recruit workers.
This included a graphic image of a headless Santa Claus with the caption "The Khilafahs presents are on their way,” ABC 7 Chicago reports. Other materials showed armed terrorists, planned attacks on Christmas celebrations, and a time bomb hidden inside a gift box.
He was found guilty of 10 felony charges, including conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and transmitting threats across state lines. Al Safoo now faces up to 130 years in prison.
https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/chicago-man-isis-terror-arrest-b2778804.html
