3 Arrested in Palm Beach County for Allegedly Trying to Help ISIS

Federal authorities have arrested three Palm Beach County men, including a popular local artist, for allegedly conspiring and attempting to support the Islamic State.

In a statement released on Friday, the Justice Department confirmed the arrests of 52-year-old Gregory Hubbard, 50-year-old Darren Jackson and 31-year-old Dayne Christian.

FBI agents working through a confidential informant said Hubbard, who used the name “Jibreel,” along with Christian, known as “Shakur,” and Jackson, who called himself “Daoud,” have been charged with “knowingly conspiring and attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIL.”

According to court documents, Hubbard, a well-regarded artist in Palm Beach County, “expressed his desire to travel to Syria and join ISIL for the purpose in engaging in violent jihad. The documents further state, “Hubbard has also regularly vocalized his support for the killing of non-Muslim hostages, as depicted in beheading videos.”

Investigators said Hubbard and Christian used the term “soccer team” and “playing soccer” to describe jihadists and terrorist acts. They said the suspects also defended the San Bernardino and Fort Hood attacks, and called the Pulse Nightclub shooting a bonus because gay people were killed. In addition, authorities said, the suspects rejoiced at news of the Bastille Day attack in Nice, France that killed 84 people.

{snip}

According to the FBI, Hubbard and Christian planned to fly out to Berlin, Germany. From there, officials said, they would take a train to Istanbul, Turkey and then make their way to Syria.

{snip}

Federal agents met Hubbard at Miami International Airport, July 21, and arrested him as he attempted to board a flight to Berlin, Germany. They also apprehended Jackson after he dropped off Hubbard at the airport. Christian, a Lake Park resident, was later arrested at his job.

{snip}

If you would like to read the arrest affidavit, click here.