by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY EXCLUSIVE, Dec 29 – A man who left New Jersey to try to join Al Shabaab, inspired or triggered by the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and its aftermath, argued to be released on bail on December 29 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Magistrates Court.
Inner City Press was there, the only media in the SDNY Mag court, and live tweeted, thread:
KARREM NASR, a US citizen, was taken into custody in Nairobi, Kenya on Dec 14, 2023 and was transported to the US yesterday. Nasr is led in by US Marshals.
All rise! AUSA: He was arrested yesterday at 6 pm. [Does not mention he was "transported" to US from Kenya. He is appointed a Federal Defender. There are no family members here - in fact, Inner City Press is the only civilian here
Judge: You were unemployed when you went overseas? Basr: I left my job. Judge: You have $1700 in savings and some community college? Nasr: Yes. AUSA: We seek detention. Judge: Is this a presumption case?
AUSA: No. But he is a risk of flight. Federal Defender: We seek release. I've spoken with his parents. DOJ says Nasr "was particularly motivated to become a jihadi by the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack in Israel. NASR warned that “Jihad” was “coming soon to a US location near you,” posting airplane, bomb, and fire emojis
AUSA: He was arrested at a hotel in Kenya that was previously attacked by Al Shabaab. Judge: He never got very far, he never raised arms Judge: The Federal Defender will say he romanticized al Shabaab.
AUSA: On his flight back with law enforcement he said he's rather die for his cause then go to prison Judge: His mother is a citizen of Egypt?
AUSA: Yes. He texted with Egyptian government individuals, about (not) joining the army there. He got a return reservation, but not ticket, to get a Kenyan visa.
AUSA: The Saipov case shows people can use cars Judge: You know Saipov was my case? He was presented to me.
Federal Defender: He is a 23 year old vulnerable person with autism. He only started with this 6 weeks ago [October 7], it traumatized him
Federal Defender: He would not flee to Egypt. His parents went to try to get him there Judge: They are divorced FD: Pre-Trial didn't call his father Federal Defender: He could go back in January to Mercer Community College.
Judge: I would have to speak with the parents. FD: I want a decision today.
AUSA: Even with Internet restriction, he could see the Hamas Israel war in the newspapers, they are still a thing.
Judge: These are terrorism charges... You chose jihad over studying. I order you detained.
The case is US v. Nasr, 23-mj-7556 (Moses)
More on Substack here
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