Neighbors Shaken Up After Alleged ISIS Supporter Arrested
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MESQUITE (CBSDFW.COM) – Neighbors of Bilal Abood, the man accused of lying to federal agents about supporting the leader of the Islamic State group, fear his story hits too close to home.
"It kind of shakes me up a little bit," said Glenda Bradfield, who lives at the East Meadows Village apartments where Abood resides.
Born in Iraq and a naturalized U.S. citizen, Abood, 37, allegedly tweeted his pledge to obey ISIS's self-appointed leader.
"They said it's not in Texas and it's not around -- but Garland last weekend and now here in Mesquite," said Chelsea McCoy of Mesquite. "Very nerve wracking... very nerve wracking."
The FBI searched Abood's computer last year and claimed he had watched propaganda videos such as beheadings.
ISIS has claimed responsibility for a foiled attack outside the Culwell Center in Garland earlier in May, something not lost on residents.
"Too close to home. It gives me goosebumps. I have a 4-month-old," said Chelsea McCoy of Mesquite.
The Feds have kept a close eye on Abood for more than 2 years.
In March of 2013 he was kept from boarding a flight at DFW. Abood claimed he was flying to Iraq to visit family but later admitted he intended to visit Syria to fight the Assad Regime.
By fall of 2013, FBI documents allege Abood admitted to traveling to Syria to fight with the free Syrian army. But Abood felt frustrated with a lack of action, according to the FBI and wanted to return stateside.
Abood has denied supporting any terrorist organization financially.
Just last month, agents say Abood admitted he knew it was a crime to lie to the FBI. Prosecutors have 30 days to present their case to a federal grand jury.
If indicted and ultimately convicted, Abood faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.
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