A U.S. Air Force veteran became the first American ever to be convicted for attempting to join the Islamic State terrorist group.
Tairod Pugh, 48, was deemed guilty by a federal jury in Brooklyn on Wednesday. The Neptune, N.J., resident’s case was the first of more than 70 standing cases against U.S. citizens charged with trying to assist the Middle Eastern group to conclude with a guilty verdict.
Pugh was found guilty of providing material support to the Islamic State and trying to destroy flash drives that prosecutors said contained evidence.
The defendant had worked as an airplane mechanic at airports throughout the Middle East, according to a report. He was apprehended when he attempted to board a flight to Istanbul, Turkey, which authorities have referred to as a destination Islamic State recruits use to enter Syria.
The trial lasted less than two weeks. Pugh’s crimes come with a possible 35-year sentence.
More than 250 U.S. citizens have been caught trying to travel to the Middle East to join the Islamic State since mid-2014. Approximately one-quarter of that number are facing charges.
