In the days following 9/11, co-founder of Falls Church, Va. Islamic Center tells followers they should repent, leave the U.S., join the mujahideen, go to Pakistan for combat training, and otherwise help Muslims defend Afghanistan. He's convicted of a slew of offenses in 2005, including soliciting others to levy war against the U.S. (It's on direct appeal some two decades later following a series of intervening appeals about the man's access to relevant documents.) Fourth Circuit: As inflammatory, disturbing, and deeply offensive as his words may have been, they did not urge a concrete criminal plan or provide operational assistance for the commission of any particular offense. Thus, his speech was protected by the First Amendment and his convictions vacated.
Mr. Al-Timimi was represented by the Federal Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia.
The case is United States v. Ali Al-Timimi, 14-4451 (4th Cir. Jan. 9, 2026).
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