United States v. Rayyan

Rayyan watched online content that glorified ISIS, calling a video entitled “Kill them wherever you find them” “the best.” He featured a photo depicting a jihad-inspired execution on his Twitter account. The FBI monitored Rayyan and noticed that Rayyan had purchased a gun, having filled out a federal form declaring that he did not use illegal drugs. Police stopped Rayyan for speeding and found the revolver and marijuana in the car. Rayyan did not have a concealed pistol license or a medical marijuana card. He admitted that he had smoked marijuana regularly. He later downloaded more ISIS propaganda and tried, unsuccessfully, to buy another firearm, again declaring he was not a habitual drug user. Rayyan went to a firing range, rented an AK-47, and posted a photo of himself online holding it and making a pro-ISIS hand gesture. An undercover FBI employee posing as an ISIS sympathizer messaged him. Rayyan described planning an attack on a nearby church and stated he “regret[ted] not doing it” and wanted to “do . . . jihad” and to murder a police officer. He pled guilty under 18 U.S.C. 922(a)(6), for making a false statement while purchasing a firearm, and 922(g)(3), which prohibits a person who regularly uses an unlawful controlled substance from possessing a firearm. The probation office recommended a 15-21 month sentence. The court sentenced him to 60 months due to the risk he posed to the public, the need to deter others, and the severity of his crime. The Sixth Circuit affirmed, noting the 33-page explanation of the sentence. View "United States v. Rayyan" on Justia Law