ISIS sympathizer from Florida sentenced to life in prison
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A Florida man was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday for attempting to provide material support to ISIS and use a weapon of mass destruction, according to the Department of Justice.
Harlem Suarez, also known as Almlak Benitez, a 23-year-old of Monroe County, Fla., was sentenced to life in prison for attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and an explosive device.
Suarez’s Facebook postings dating back to April 2015 contained “extremist rhetoric” and promoted ISIS, federal prosecutors said.
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Suarez also told an FBI informant that he wanted to make a “timer bomb.” Evidence presented during the trial showed Suarez bought components for a potential weapon of mass destruction, and planned to fill it with galvanized nails.
According to the DOJ, Suarez planned to conceal the device in a backpack and detonate it remotely with a cellular phone at a public beach in Key West.
Suarez was convicted at trial in Key West, Fla. on January 27.
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In addition to the life sentence for attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction, Suarez was sentenced to an additional 20-year term for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State.