Milo Sedarat: The Shocking Arrest of a New Jersey Teen in Alleged ISIS-Linked Terror Plot
19-year-old Milo Sedarat, from affluent Montclair, NJ, was arrested on federal charges tied to antisemitic threats and alleged ISIS-linked terror plotting. Learn the shocking details, family background, and what this case reveals about youth radicalization in America.
The Arrest That Shook Montclair
In a case that has stunned one of New Jersey’s most affluent and diverse suburbs, 19-year-old Milo Sedarat was arrested on November 5, 2025, for allegedly transmitting interstate threats and engaging in online hate speech tied to ISIS-inspired terrorism. Federal prosecutors say Sedarat, the son of acclaimed poet Roger Sedarat and Emmy-nominated producer Janette Afsharian, faces serious federal charges after investigators uncovered a disturbing online trail of antisemitic and extremist rhetoric.
If convicted, Sedarat could face up to 10 years in prison. However, all allegations remain under investigation, and he has not yet entered a plea.
Who Is Milo Sedarat?
Milo Sedarat grew up in Montclair, New Jersey, a progressive and multicultural community known for its top-tier schools and artistic spirit. His father, Roger Sedarat, is an award-winning Iranian American poet and professor at Queens College (CUNY), while his mother, Janette Afsharian, is a four-time Emmy-nominated multimedia producer and artist.
Neighbors describe the family as “normal, well-liked, and intellectual,” making the arrest all the more shocking. Sedarat attended Montclair High School, where he excelled in football and wrestling, enjoying the privileges of an upper-middle-class upbringing in a $1.2 million Victorian home.
What the Federal Complaint Reveals
According to unsealed court documents, Sedarat’s online behavior escalated from hateful speech to specific threats of violence. Using encrypted platforms, he allegedly bragged about being “the biggest antisemite in America” and fantasized about mass executions of Jewish people.
Prosecutors say Sedarat shared messages such as:
“Line up 500 Jews and execute them in front of their families. Then take all their wives as slaves.”
He allegedly praised ISIS and expressed support for “a second Holocaust” and “a 9/11-style attack on Tel Aviv.”
Authorities also claim Sedarat threatened to harm his mother’s Jewish friends and even expressed intent to kill a rabbi in New York City. He allegedly wrote:
“If I ever saw a Jewish Rabbi walking the streets of NYC, you know what’s gonna happen.”
Investigators say these threats went beyond online posturing—Sedarat reportedly practiced at gun ranges, owned tactical gear, and posed with knives, swords, and firearms in photos shared in private group chats.
Links to an ISIS-Inspired Network
The complaint ties Sedarat to an ISIS-linked group codenamed “Pumpkin”, allegedly involved in plotting attacks on LGBTQ+ nightclubs in Michigan and other public venues.
Federal agents arrested several co-conspirators, including Tomas Kaan Jimenez-Guzel, another 19-year-old from Montclair who was caught at Newark Liberty International Airport while attempting to fly to Turkey en route to joining ISIS in Syria.
Authorities say the group amassed firearms, tactical equipment, and over 1,600 rounds of ammunition, drawing parallels to attacks such as the Pulse nightclub shooting and Bataclan massacre. Sedarat’s communications reportedly involved discussions about joining ISIS and coordinating U.S.-based acts of violence, though his exact role remains under investigation.
Allegations Summarized
| Category | Specific Allegations | Medium | Potential Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antisemitic Rhetoric | Claimed to be “biggest antisemite in America”; called for “second Holocaust” | Encrypted group chats | Incitement to hate; evidence of radicalization |
| Personal Threats | Threatened to kill mother’s Jewish friends and a NYC rabbi | Direct messages | Immediate danger to individuals |
| Mass Violence Fantasies | Spoke of executing 500 Jews; “9/11 on Tel Aviv” | Private chats | Escalation from speech to planning |
| Weapons & Gear | Posed with knives, swords, tactical gear, firearms | Photos, online purchases | Suggests violent intent |
| ISIS Network Links | Group chat plotting attacks; plans to join ISIS | Encrypted messages | Ties to designated terror group |
The Family and Community Reaction
Montclair residents have expressed shock and disbelief, noting that the Sedarat family was active in local arts and education circles. Local synagogues and LGBTQ+ centers have since tightened security, while schools are emphasizing digital literacy and early intervention in online radicalization.
Experts point out that this case demonstrates how extremist ideologies can infiltrate even privileged environments. Despite access to education and stability, Sedarat allegedly fell into online echo chambers promoting hate and violence.
The Legal Process Ahead
Sedarat made his first appearance in federal court in Newark on November 6, 2025, where a judge ordered him held without bail. He currently faces two counts of transmitting interstate threats, each carrying up to five years in prison, but more serious terrorism-related charges could follow as the investigation continues.
Co-defendant Jimenez-Guzel faces material support to terrorism charges, which carry a sentence of up to 20 years. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and the NYPD are leading the investigation alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
What This Means for America
The Milo Sedarat case underscores a growing concern: youth radicalization in the digital age. Online platforms can turn extremist content into entertainment, drawing in young, impressionable users—even those from affluent or well-educated families.
With antisemitic incidents on the rise nationwide—particularly since the October 2023 Hamas-Israel conflict—this case serves as a wake-up call for parents, educators, and policymakers to strengthen online monitoring, community education, and early intervention programs.
As the legal process unfolds, the nation will be watching closely—not only to see justice served but to understand how an American teenager from privilege could allegedly fall so deep into hate and extremism.