Ahmad Abousamra, 31, has been traveling to Yemen and Pakistan for training on how to kill American soldiers, according to the FBI, and there is a $50,000 reward for the person who helps catch the alleged al Qaeda supporter. Here are the top 10 facts you need to know about the fugitive.
1. He is from Massachusetts
He last lived in the U.S. in a small suburb of Boston and has relatives living in Detroit.
2. He Left the United States in 2006
He left the U.S. in 2006 and it is believed that he is now living in Aleppo, Syria with his wife, daughter and other family members.
3. He was Indicted in 2009
He was indicted in 2009 on nine terrorism-related charges after taking trips to Pakistan and Yemen to seek military training on killing American soldiers overseas. He also traveled to Iraq in hopes to join forces against the U.S.
4. He has a High-Pitched Voice
It is noted that one of the distinctive qualities about Abousamra is his higher-pitched voice. His voice can be heard in the above video at 0:43.
5. He is a Pretty Smart Guy
Not only is Abousamra fluent in both English and Arabic, he has a degree in computer technology and has extensive computer skills.
6. His Co-Conspirator is Taerk Mehanna
Taerk Mehanna was convicted of terrorism charges in 2011 and was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
7. He was Born in France and has a Dual Citizenship with the U.S. and Syria
8. Both Men were Inspired by the 9/11 Attacks
Not only were these horrible men inspired by the 9/11 attacks, but they celebrated it while the rest of America was in mourning and disbelief.
9. They Used the Internet to Educate Themselves
“Both men were radicalized and used the Internet to educate themselves,” said Special Agent Heidi Williams, a member of the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) in Boston. “They came to it independently, but once they found each other, they encouraged each other’s beliefs.”
10. The FBI Wants Your Help!
“Knowing that the public is the FBI’s best ally in finding fugitives, today we’re requesting your assistance to locate Abousamra,” said Richard DesLauriers, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston office.
The FBI asks that anyone who has information on Ahmad Abousamra to contact officials at (800) CALL-FBI.