Alleged ISIS sympathizer from Dearborn Heights appears in federal court

DETROIT – The alleged ISIS sympathizer from Dearborn Heights was in federal court Wednesday.

Khalil Abu-Rayyan, 21, is being held on gun and drug charges that stemmed from an arrest in October.

In online conversations with undercover agents, Abu-Rayyan said he planned a mass shooting at a Detroit church, according to authorities.

Police say his father talked him out of the attack which was to take place at a large church close to where Abu-Rayyan worked.

He worked at a pizza place at 7 Mile and Telegraph roads. Greater Grace Temple Church is just down the street. World Outreach Church is also nearby.

He was arrested in October on gun and drug charges and is currently being held on those charges.

Abu-Rayyan’s detention hearing will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m.

READ: Criminal complaint against Abu-Rayyan


About the Author:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.