Arizona man who claimed ISIS ties pleads guilty to assault

Ismail Hamed faces 2-9 years in prison for 2019 incident where he threatened deputy with knife

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:39pm

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An extreme close-up of a knife blade, the harsh lighting and dark background creating a stark, investigative aesthetic without any text or identifying details.A stark, gritty image of the knife that sparked a confrontation between an Arizona man and law enforcement, exposing the dangers of unaddressed mental health issues.Fountain Hills Today

Ismail Hamed, who was 18 years old when he called 911 and claimed ties to ISIS before brandishing a knife and throwing rocks at a Maricopa County Sheriff's deputy in 2019, has pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and making a terroristic threat. Under a plea deal, Hamed faces 2-9 years in prison with a presumptive term of 3.5 years, plus at least 5 years of probation.

Why it matters

The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with individuals who make threats of terrorism, even if they do not have actual ties to extremist groups. It also raises questions about mental health resources and intervention for young adults who exhibit concerning behavior.

The details

In January 2019, Hamed repeatedly called 911 and asked to speak with a deputy at a Fountain Hills substation. When a sergeant arrived, Hamed began throwing rocks at him and brandished a knife. The sergeant ordered Hamed to drop the knife, and shot him when he failed to comply. Hamed was taken to the hospital before being booked into jail on terrorism charges.

  • On January 10, 2019, Hamed called 911 and confronted a sheriff's deputy in Fountain Hills.
  • Hamed, now 25 years old, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19, 2026.

The players

Ismail Hamed

A 25-year-old man who pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and making a terroristic threat after an incident in 2019 where he claimed ties to ISIS and threatened a sheriff's deputy with a knife.

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to Hamed's 911 calls and confronted him in the parking lot of a Fountain Hills substation in 2019.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Warren Granville

The judge presiding over Hamed's case who emphasized the importance of him showing up for his sentencing hearing on May 19.

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What they’re saying

“If you don't come, a warrant gets issued for your arrest, and all the bad things reflected in the plea agreement can happen.”

— Warren Granville, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge

What’s next

Hamed is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19, 2026. The judge warned that if Hamed fails to show up, a warrant will be issued for his arrest and he could face harsher penalties.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with individuals who make threats of terrorism, even if they do not have confirmed ties to extremist groups. It also underscores the importance of providing mental health resources and intervention for young adults exhibiting concerning behavior.