Politics & Government

Feds Tried To Dissuade Babylon Teen From Trying To Join Al-Qaeda

Babylon teenager Justin Kaliebe pleaded guilty to attempted to aid the terrorist organization earlier this year.

An undercover federal agent attempted to change the mind of the young Babylon teen who attempted to join terrorist organization Al-Qaeda just days before he tried to board a plane to the Middle East, according to court documents released yesterday.

According to Newsday, Babylon Village teenager Justin Kaliebe told a federal agent he had to board his flight – it was a calling from God. The agent told the teen he could serve God in other ways and he, along with the “other members” would not be mad at him.

Kaliebe, reportedly, remained unchanged.

"I understand there's a way out, but for me, the only way out is martyrdom... God the almighty prescribed this for me," he was reported saying.

Kaliebe, 18, lived in Babylon Village with his two parents before his arrest in January this year in a $2 million home. The teen pleaded guilty to charges in February telling a U.S. Magistrate he planned on joining up with Al-Qaeda in Yemen.

"I and others discussed different ways we could support such a group... by providing money, equipment and ourselves," he reportedly said in Central Islip court during proceedings.

In further proceedings in the case, District Judge Arthur Spatt has order a mental competency evaluation be performed on Kaliebe following claims by his family that the teen has autism.

According to one his attorneys, Anthony La Pinta, Kaliebe was diagnosed with autism at age four and did not understand what he was doing was so serious.

"This case must be put into proper perspective," La Pinta told Newsday. "Justin Kaliebe is a gentle, naive, autistic teenager who has the limited ability to fully understand the magnitude and seriousness of his actions. He clearly poses no threat to anyone."

"He would never hurt a fly," his father, Robert Kalibe, said.


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