A Tucson, Ariz., man convicted on terrorism charges was sentenced to eight years in prison and lifetime probation on Friday.
Mahin Kahn had been arrested in July for expressing support for the Islamic State after he made contact with the terrorist organization about acquiring weapons and bomb-making resources for an attack. He was charged with two counts of terrorism and conspiracy to commit terrorism.
On Friday at his sentencing, his father said, “Since Mahin has been imprisoned, he has shown significant signs of remorse for his actions. He understands now that his words can have serious consequences.” Prosecutors had requested 14 years in prison.
The FBI first detected Mahin Khan, now 18 years old, in April when he was still a minor. In the three months of tracking Khan’s communications with the Islamic state, federal officials said he offered to help the militant group carry out an attack in America.
Khan had asked the group for funds to buy firearms, but when the person he was talking with shot down his request, he instead asked for instructions about building a bomb. The documents indicate he had planned to attack an Air Force recruitment center in Tucson. He also contacted an alleged member of the Pakistan Taliban, a violent organization referred to as the TTP.
