Bronx man arrested at JFK Airport, charged with trying to aid ISIS

JAMAICA, New York (WABC) -- A New York City man was arrested Wednesday night, accused of attempting to aid the Islamic State group.

Saddam Mohamed Raishani was taken into custody at John F. Kennedy International Airport as he allegedly tried to board a plane to Syria.

U.S. Attorney Joon Kim said Raishani wanted to join the militant group after helping another man get there.

Authorities say his plans were foiled because he unwittingly contacted a person who was a confidential source working at the direction of law enforcement.

That person, authorities say, introduced him to an undercover law enforcement officer who posed as someone who also wanted to fight for the Islamic State group.

"Raishani allegedly acted on his own desire to wage violent jihad, planning to leave his family and life in New York City for the battlefields of the Middle East," Kim said. "Thanks to the excellent work of the FBI and NYPD, Raishani's alleged plan to support this deadly terrorist organization was cut short at the airport."

Raishani is charged with one count of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)