Terrorist Sympathizer From Iraq Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing a Stolen Firearm

     PHOENIX Ariz. – On May 7, 2019, Duraid Hussein, 25, of Glendale, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow to 54 months in prison.  Hussein is a citizen of Iraq who entered the United States as a refugee.  On December 6, 2018, Hussein was convicted by a federal jury of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  In July 2017, Hussein sold a stolen firearm to another individual.  As a convicted felon, Hussein is not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition.

     During the investigation, Hussein was observed watching extremist propaganda videos on the Internet, and heard making statements about being called to fight the Jihad.  Since entering the United States, Hussein has had multiple contacts with law enforcement for violent acts, including a May 2017 conviction for aggravated assault. 

     Hussein is subject to removal from the United States upon his release from prison.

     The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Lacy Cooper and Matthew Binford, Assistant United States Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.