Halima Salman convicted of receiving ISIS military training in Syria

Key Points:

• Halima Salman, a 27-year-old U.S. citizen and former Brooklyn resident, was convicted by a federal jury for knowingly receiving military-style training from ISIS while living in Syria, marking the first time a woman accused of joining ISIS was tried in a U.S. federal court.
• Prosecutors stated Salman, who married an ISIS fighter at 18, pledged loyalty to ISIS, received authorization to carry an assault rifle, and completed military training, with evidence including videos, photos, and text messages presented during the trial.
• Salman testified that she was taken to Syria by her father under false pretenses, was forced into marriage, attempted to divorce, and eventually fled ISIS-controlled territory before being detained in Syria in 2019 and arrested upon her return to the U.S. in 2024.
• The verdict elicited emotional reactions from Salman, her family, and defense attorneys, who plan to request the judge to set aside the verdict, arguing insufficient evidence to support the conviction.
• U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. emphasized the commitment to prosecuting those who supported ISIS, highlighting the organization's destructive impact in Syria and globally.