Texas college student sentenced for attempting to join ISIS
A University of Houston student has been sentenced to more than a year in prison after he nearly joined the Islamic State in Syria.
The Houston Chronicle reports that a federal judge sentenced Asher Abid Khan to 18 months in prison followed by five years of supervision on Monday.
Federal authorities had recommended more than 20 years in prison. But U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes says the 23-year-old has shown potential for rehabilitation.
Khan, a U.S. citizen, says he felt torn between American and Pakistani culture and disillusioned by ISIS propaganda online.
Federal officials say Khan and a friend planned to meet near the Syrian border in 2014. Khan made it to Turkey but returned to Houston shortly after. Khan helped his friend connect with an ISIS recruiter and gave up money to cover costs.
