A federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Halima Salman, 27, a U.S. citizen and former resident of Brooklyn, also known as “Umm Khattab al-Muhajir,” of receiving military-type training from the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, in Syria. Salman was convicted after a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Natasha C. Merle.

“The atrocities committed by ISIS, including mass executions, sexual slavery, and the systematic terrorizing of civilian populations, represent some of the gravest crimes of our time,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “There is simply no excuse for aligning with or receiving military training from an organization responsible for such suffering. Today's verdict sends a clear message that those who support this death cult will be found and prosecuted.”

“With today’s verdict, Salman is held accountable for joining forces with a terrorist organization,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “ISIS ravaged Syria and caused havoc across the globe; our Office will continue to prosecute those who supported its murderous reign.”

“It’s been nearly a decade since Halima Salman sought military training from ISIS in Syria, and today justice has been served,” said Assistant Director Jarod Brown of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “The FBI remains unwavering in its vigilance. We will continue to identify, disrupt, and bring to justice those who support foreign terrorist organizations and threaten the safety of our nation and our communities.”

“Halima Salman knowingly sought out terrorist training from ISIS in Syria, she subscribed to their belief system and learned how to use weapons of mass violence,” said Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle of the FBI New York Field Office. “Defending the homeland will always be the top priority of the FBI, and anyone found guilty of supporting a Foreign Terrorist Organization will be investigated and prosecuted. Today’s verdict is a victory in the relentless fight against terrorism in the US.” 

As proven at trial, in September and October 2016, Salman’s parents traveled with her and her eight siblings out of the United States, ultimately destined for ISIS-controlled territory in Syria.

In late 2016 or early 2017, Salman was 18 years old and married to an ISIS fighter in Syria, where she voluntarily sought military-type training and received authorization to carry ammunition and an assault rifle from ISIS. Salman received a document certifying that she successfully completed that training, a copy of which was found on her husband’s cellphone after it was recovered from the battlefield. Also on her husband’s device were photos depicting Salman with an ISIS flag in the background and a video that shows her brandishing an AK-47 rifle.

The case was investigated by the FBI New York Field Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Amir and Amanda Shami for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Reich, Paralegal Specialist Emily Woodruff and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.