A 26-year old man from Virginia has been charged with trying to help the Islamic State.
Federal prosecutors said Thursday the man, Lionel Nelson Williams, purchased an AK-47 rifle the day after the 2015 San Bernardino, Calif., terror attack that left 14 people dead and 22 seriously injured.
Williams was arrested in Suffolk, Va., on Wednesday and charged with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State, according to a news release from the Department of Justice.
Williams is accused of sending money to someone in October and November for the purpose of purchasing weapons and ammunition for Islamic State fighters. Prosecutors also said he posted supportive statements on social media about the Islamic State. Two firearms were found during a search of Williams’ residence, they said.
The Justice Department said Williams is facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
