34-year-old active-duty U.S. soldier stationed in Hawaii was arrested late Saturday evening and charged with providing material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, according to the FBI.
The individual, identified by the FBI as Ikaika Erik Kang, was arrested at his home Waipahu, according to KGMB-TV.
Please check back as this is a developing story but here’s what you need to know:
1. Kang is Accused of Having Connections to the Islamic State
KGMB-TVAccording to KGMB-TV, the FBI sealed off the apartment door of Kang.
The Associated Press initially reported Kang’s alleged dealings with the Islamic State and the FBI confirmed that in a statement released Monday afternoon.
“A criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii alleges that Kang swore allegiance to ISIS, attempted to provide military documents to ISIS, and attempted to provide training to the terrorist organization,” the FBI said.
The FBI adds that they believe Kang was a lone actor and “that he has not associated with others who present a threat to Hawaii.”
2. According to KGMB-TV, Kang Graduated From Kaiser High School in Honolulu
Henry J. Kaiser High School is described by the Hawaii State Department of Educationas an “International Baccalaureate (IB) World School authorized for its Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme.”
3. Kang Was Stationed at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu
He was enlisted with the 25th Infantry Division, according to FBI spokemsan Arnold Laanui.
According to the FBI, Kang — who enlisted shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks — served tours in Afghanistan (2013) and Iraq (2010). He was also stationed in South Korea for a time.
Ikaika Kang, the 34-year-old Army solider arrested on terrorism, allegedly swore allegiance to ISIS, did tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
Kang, ranked Sergeant Fist Class, was awarded for the following medals for his time in the service, according to a release provided by the FBI:
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal (4th Award)
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Korea Defense Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
His service record lists his current assignment as an air traffic control operator at Wheeler Army Airfield.
4. His Arrest Comes After a Year-Long Operation by the FBI
Accordng to KGMB-TV, Kang was the subject of a year-long investigation by the FBI. It’s unclear at this time what tipped authorities to Kang or why he was arrested now.
“Kang has been under investigation by the U.S. Army and the FBI for over a year. FBI assets and Army investigative resources were continuously deployed to ensure the public’s safety during the course of this investigation and Kang’s eventual arrest,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul D. Delacourt said.