Jason Ludke (Part 5)

Fragments of a future narrative

Jason pledged allegiance to ISIS twice. He first recited his oath to the UCE over the phone on September 28, 2016, following up with a fimed version the next day, via email.

“In 2015 and 2016, ISIS perpetrated hellish levels of violence,” the government’s attorneys wrote. “To this, Ludke was drawn and sought to contribute.”

“That’s what was weird,” Jason reflected. “There was no statements in my case where I said that, ‘cause I don’t believe in that stuff—you know, going out and killing innocent people.”

If he did make those statements, the criminal complaint never mentioned them. The document, summarizing his first pledge, noted “that he’s tired of living under the infidel’s system and that he wants to make hijrah to learn the deen [religion] and to strive for Jannah [paradise].”

Plans for this hijrah remained vague on October 4—the day before Jason’s arrest. “Can they get us out Brazil As easier travel From there,” he messaged via Facebook. The UCE said no. “Okay we go mexico,” Jason replied.

The UCE stated “that people will be ready to receive him in Mexico and may have passports for Arabic countries available.” He then told Jason “not to move until [the] contacts are ready.” Deceit; control.

“I remember Missouri, and Oklahoma,” Jason said of the drive. He felt he was saying farewell to the abuse and neglect, the drugs and isolation, hollow friendships, years imprisoned, the residency restrictions. “Why can’t—if I’m just banished from everywhere, why can’t I just leave then?”