A Texas man was charged in federal court after he allegedly provided “bomb components and money to individuals he believed were acting on behalf of a designated foreign terrorist organization,” the Justice Department announced.

“John Michael Garza, Jr., 21, of Midlothian, Texas, was charged last week by federal complaint with the offense of attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization after he brought various bomb-making materials to a meeting on Monday evening, Dec. 22, and gave them to an individual he allegedly believed was an ISIS ‘brother,'” a press release read.

“In reality, Garza met with an undercover agent. During the meeting, Garza described how to mix the components and offered to send an instructional video explaining how to build the bomb. Law enforcement agents arrested Garza shortly after he left the meeting,” it continued.

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The DOJ also said that Garza paid the undercover agent small amounts of cryptocurrency “believing that he was supporting ISIS causes, including buying firearms and other materials.”

Garza was flagged by authorities after a New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer noticed that he followed pro-ISIS accounts, including posting a comment on a pro-ISIS post.

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“When the NYPD undercover engaged with Garza on social media, Garza described himself as a 21-year-old Mexican-American living in Texas,” the DOJ said.

“In their continuing conversations throughout November and December, Garza shared that he ascribed to the ISIS ideology and sent the undercover multiple official ISIS media releases.”

Attorney General Pamela Bondi called the case a “testament to the incredible work of our federal agents, who work tirelessly to save American lives.”

“Proud of our FBI teams and partners… identified the threat early and acted decisively to protect American lives,” FBI Director Kash Patel said.

“Today’s charges illustrate that the threats of terrorism and extremist violence against our nation are still very real,” said Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch of the New York Police Department (NYPD).

“The NYPD remains committed to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling these networks at their source – before they can reach their murderous ends. And any person who puts American lives at risk will face justice and be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I want to thank our undercover investigators in the NYPD, as well as our law enforcement partners in the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, for their exceptional work on this case,” she added.

ABC News noted:

Garza made an initial court appearance on Dec. 23 in U.S. District Court for Northern Texas. Federal prosecutors are expected to lay out their evidence against him at a probable cause and detention hearing on Tuesday.

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