A 33-year-old former U.S. military member turned ISIS supporter from Montesano, Washington, was arrested over the weekend and now faces five felony firearms charges, the Justice Department announced Monday.
Daniel Seth Franey, who also goes by “Abu Dawuud,” was charged with multiple counts of illegally possessing firearms. The weapons found in his possession included multiple .40-caliber Glock handguns, a Colt AR-15, and multiple AK-47 style Romarm-Cugir Model PM-65 7.62 x 39mm assault rifles, one of which was fully automatic.
Franey is the subject of a permanent order of protection stemming from physical abuse against a former partner and their children, and therefore prohibited from possessing firearms, although, according to court records. Franey said he was blacklisted because he is a Muslim.
Franey, who is a self-described “deserter” of the Army spoke on numerous occasions about killing non-Muslim Americans, including members of law enforcement and government agents, who he felt “the duty to kill,” as well as members of the military, whom he claimed went overseas to rape and kill women.
He became the center of an investigation last year after authorities received numerous reports from Washington residents who became concerned after witnessing Franey’s conversations expressing his extremist views and intentions to kill those who did not support his beliefs.
“The FBI works diligently to have a positive relationship with the Muslim community,” said Frank Montoya, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle Division. “From our conversations with Muslim community leaders, we know they reject this type of violent ideology and actively contribute to the security of our community, Washington State, and our country.”
Despite him being prohibited from owning or selling guns, Franey became involved with an illegal arms dealer, who – unbeknownst to Franey – was an undercover officer involved in the investigation.
While working with the undercover officer, Franey repeatedly talked of his support for ISIS, whom he referred to as “the best people on earth,” and his desire to “join the fight,” even discussing what he considered good targets for an attack, as he awaited the “commands of Allah.”
Additionally, Franey continuously talked of wanting to obtain firearms, namely AK-47 style rifles, from the undercover officer and repeatedly noted he was not legally able to do so on his own accord. All the while, Franey continued to outline his violent intentions once he obtained the firearms he desired.
If convicted, Franey could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the five counts.
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