First US police officer arrested for funding IS

The suspect "innocently" sent money to sponsor an IS militant in Syria who was actually an undercover police officer in disguise.

Young in court on August 3.

A Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority police officer has been arrested for allegedly financing the Islamic State (IS), the US Justice Department said on August 3. This is the first case of a US police officer being accused of involvement and financing terrorism.

Nicholas Young was arrested by the FBI on August 3 but had been under surveillance by US law enforcement since 2010. There was no evidence that the Washington DC Metro station was threatened. Two US law enforcement officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Young appeared in court on August 3.

Young had been monitored by undercover law enforcement agents since 2010 for his relationship with a friend named Zachary Chesser, who was charged with financing a foreign terrorist organization.

Young also met with Amine El Khalifi several times before he was arrested in 2012 for plotting to bomb the US Capitol.

Police searched Young's home after the suspect was arrested.

In 2014, Young was lured by an FBI agent to Syria to join ISIS. Once he took the bait, the FBI contacted Young directly to monitor his reaction. As a result, Young purchased multiple money transfer cards and sent them to ISIS via voicemail. Young believed the money was sent to the right militants operating in Syria.

Young visited Libya in 2011 and intended to visit again. When asked, Young said he wanted to fight with the rebels to overthrow Moammar Gaddafi. Young repeatedly expressed his intention to stockpile weapons and attack law enforcement.

Officer Young was a former Washington Metro security officer who worked there since 2003 but was fired after the FBI arrest.

Young's next-door neighbor said, "I can't believe he's a cop."

“The Metro Police Department notified us when they became concerned about Young’s possible involvement in terrorism. We have a responsibility to report suspicious incidents to the authorities at all times,” said Police Chief Ron Pavlik.

According to CNN