A 25-year-old former National Guard member, Andrew Hastings of Tulsa, Oklahoma, faces serious federal charges after allegedly attempting to supply 3D-printed weapons to an individual he believed was linked to al-Qaeda, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Wednesday.
Hastings is accused of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and illegal possession or transfer of a machine gun, following an investigation by multiple federal and local agencies.
Social Media Activity Sparks FBI Investigation
The case began in June 2024 when the FBI flagged Hastings for suspicious activity on a social media platform, where he reportedly discussed committing violent acts against U.S. civilians to advance “global jihad,” per the Justice Department.
At the time, Hastings served as an aircraft powertrain repairer in the National Guard and held a national security clearance.
In group chats, he allegedly urged others to develop cyber skills, engage in physical training, and offered access to Army manuals on tactics and weapon manufacturing.
Authorities also noted his expressed interest in creating a nuclear weapon, raising significant concerns about his intentions.
Hastings’ interactions escalated when he began communicating with an undercover FBI agent posing as an al-Qaeda affiliate.
Court documents cite surveillance footage showing Hastings mailing packages containing 3D-printed machine gun conversion switches, two 3D-printed handgun lower receivers, a handgun slide, and other firearm components, intended for use in terrorist attacks by al-Qaeda.
Unreported Overseas Trip and National Guard Exit
The complaint further details that Hastings took an overseas trip without notifying his National Guard superiors, violating protocol for someone with his security clearance.
He voluntarily left the National Guard on June 6, as the investigation intensified.
The FBI, Army Counterintelligence Command, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Tulsa Police Department collaborated to build the case, culminating in his arrest.
Commitment to Accountability
Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon, commanding general of Army Counterintelligence Command, praised the joint effort: “The successful arrest of this Soldier is a testament to the strong partnership between Army Counterintelligence Command and the FBI.”
He emphasized the Army’s resolve to hold accountable “individuals who support terrorist organizations to the fullest extent of the law.”
