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Ex-Jihadist Warns: Youths Becoming ISIS-Inspired 'Superheroes'

3/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mubin Shaikh, a former jihadist turned counterterrorism operative, warns that extremist ideology is radicalizing American youths into ISIS-inspired “superheroes.”
This warning follows a terror attempt in New York City by two teenagers.
He notes recruiters prey on youths seeking purpose and identity, with radicalization seen in the "Toronto 18."
Two suspects face life sentences, one of whom expressed a desire to attack bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing.

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Story summary

Mubin Shaikh, a former jihadist turned counterterrorism operative, warns that extremist ideology is radicalizing American youths into ISIS-inspired “superheroes.”
This warning follows a terror attempt in New York City by two teenagers.
He notes recruiters prey on youths seeking purpose and identity, with radicalization seen in the "Toronto 18."
Two suspects face life sentences, one of whom expressed a desire to attack bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing.