Two suburban Chicago cousins accused of trying to join ISIS and plotting to attack an Illinois military facility pleaded not guilty to terror charges Wednesday.
Hasan Edmonds and Jonas Edmunds, both shackled and appearing in orange jumpsuits, entered their pleas through their attorneys and answered "yes" when Judge Sheila Finnegan asked if they understood their rights.
Hasan Edmonds, 22, and his cousin, Jonas Edmonds, 29, were indicted earlier this month on charges they tried to provide material support to ISIS. Prosecutors said Jonas Edmonds allegedly planned to attack an Illinois military facility, and they said his younger cousin planned to travel abroad to join Islamic State fighters.
Hasan Edmonds was member of Golf Company 634th Brigade Support Battalion, based in Joliet, according to the Illinois National Guard Lt. Col. Brad Leighton. He reported to the Joliet base one weekend a month.
Jonas Edmonds allegedly communicated to an undercover agent that it might be difficult for him to get travel documents. Therefore, he said he would stage attacks in the U.S., prosecutors allege.
Conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the U.S. attorney's office.
Their next court appearance was scheduled for May 6.
