Jordanian detained in US on gun charge as 'grave' danger after talking martyrdom with others: judge
Sohaib Abuayyash has no criminal record, but his arrest comes at a time of heightened concerns about potential terror attacks in the U.S. inspired by the Israel-Gaza war.
- Sohaib Abuayyash, 20, a citizen of Jordan living in Houston, was charged with possessing a Turkish pistol, which was not allowed under his status applying for asylum.
- A federal magistrate ordered Abuayyash detained as a "grave" danger because of evidence that he expressed support for radical groups and posed a threat to specific people.
WASHINGTON – A Jordanian man who arrived in the U.S. with a Palestinian passport has been charged with a federal gun violation in a complaint that alleges he had been “in contact with others who share a radical mindset,” the Justice Department announced Friday.
The arrest comes at a time of heightened concerns about domestic violence inspired by the Israel-Hamas war that began Oct. 7.
Sohaib Abuayyash, 20, a citizen of Jordan living in Houston, Texas, was charged with possessing a firearm despite his visa not allowing it. He has no criminal record. He faces 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. He has been detained since his arrest Oct. 20 and his arraignment is scheduled Nov. 13.
In detaining him, U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan found that Abuayyash expressed support for radical groups and posed a threat to specific people. While the statements could be “just talk,” as argued by his lawyers, the judge found that training to shoot multiple weapons and learning how to make explosives was more than “just talk.” Bryan said he discussed martyrdom with others and mentioned a Houston event for members of a particular religious group.
“The seriousness of the danger posed to the community and specific individuals by the Defendant’s release is grave and could include a violent attack on a group or individuals resulting in death,” Bryan wrote.
Abuayyash's federal public defender, Amr Ahmed, declined to comment on the charge or detention.
Most of the records in the case remain sealed. Abuayyash was indicted Sept. 24 for possessing a Turkish-made Canik 9 mm pistol.
“At no time has Abuayyash’s status allowed him to possess or use firearms or ammunition,” the criminal complaint said.
Abuayyash appeared in videos posted to TikTok that show him firing the pistol and an AR-style rifle at shooting ranges in Texas, with pictures included in court records. FBI agents interviewed a store manager in October who said he sold the gun to Abuayyash, the criminal complaint said.
FBI agents found “Abuayyash has been in direct contact with others who share a radical mindset, has been conducting physical training, and has trained with weapons to possibly commit an attack,” the criminal complaint said.
Abuayyash first arrived in the U.S. from Jordan in June 2016 on a tourist visa and left in August 2016, according to court records. He again entered the U.S. from France in June 2019 on a tourist visa while traveling on a Palestine passport, according to court records.
Abuayyash remained after the visa expired in August 2019 and applied for asylum in January 2020, according to court records.