Terrorist Movsum Samadov (Coming to a Town Near You?)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In case you haven’t seen it, there’s a troubling video on the Internet. The video is of an interview of an illegal border crosser, who, when asked who he is, responds with:

You’re not smart enough to know who I am. But soon, you’re going to know who I am. Everyone will. 

Call me crazy, but talking like that is usually an indicator of someone intent on doing terrible things. So, in this article, I’m going to explore who this guy is, the current state of affairs at the border, and what it means for us preparedness-minded people. Before we get into though, remember the odds of you being caught in any sort of terrorist event are exceedingly small. You have a better chance of winning the Lottery than experiencing terrorism. So, while it’s good to be prepared, it’s also helpful to manage your perspective of reality. 

Who is Movsum Samadov

I did some research and want to walk you through a bit about this guy named Movsum Samadov. Initial reports are that Movsum Samadov is the head of the Islamic Party of Azerbaijan, a country right above Iran on the Caspian Sea. It’s a beautiful country, by the way. He faced imprisonment following his criticism of the country’s religious freedom conditions and his political activities. On January 7, 2011, Samadov, the chairman of the Islamic terrorist group Azerbaijani Islamic Party, was arrested by Azerbaijan authorities during a traffic stop.

Samadov is a Known Terrorist

He was initially charged with failing to comply with a lawful police order, likely related to the traffic stop. This arrest occurred shortly after a January 2nd speech, where some enough openly criticized the President of Azerbaijan, particularly over the ban on wearing religious headscarves in schools. On October 7, 2011, the Baku Grave Crimes Court, which is located in Azerbaijan’s capital, sentenced Samadov to 12 years in prison. 

According to the U.S. Government:

Samadov was charged with “preparing a crime” (Art. 28 ACC), “preparing terrorism committed on preliminary arrangement by group of persons, by organized group or criminal community (criminal organization)” (Art. 214.2.1 ACC), “preparing terrorism committed with application of firearms or subjects used as a weapon” (Art. 214.2.3 ACC), “illegally purchasing, transferring, selling, storing, transporting, and carrying firearms, accessories, supplies, and explosives committed by organized group” (Art. 228.3 ACC), and “actions directed on violent capture power or violent deduction power” (Art. 278 ACC). 

Samadov was released from prison on January 19, 2023. Then, a year later, he turns up on the border of our country, crossing into our country illegally, when he made his now infamous statement. 

The Problem for Americans

Now, here’s the overarching issue for most Americans. Most Americans believe the border is secure when it is, in fact, wide open—as evidenced by the millions flooding over it. The open border is why Texas is attempting to use the Texas Guard to protect the border independently and in accordance with the U.S. Constitution and its state constitution. To that end, at Eagle Pass (the midpoint of the international border between Texas and Mexico), Texas is laying concertina wire to help stem the flow of people across the border. 

Countering Texas’s efforts, the Supreme Court of the United States decided in a 5 to 4 vote to allow the Border Patrol to cut the concertina wire and also to escort illegal migrants into this country and release them into the State of Texas. Texas is currently defying that ruling and maintaining its position at the border.  

The problem for American citizens is that there are MILLIONS of people coming across illegally and being released into our country, including people from China, Iran, and elsewhere. Amongst those people are bad guys like Samadov—a known terrorist, who illegally purchased weapons for terrorism in his home country being let into our country with nothing stopping them. 

How to Protect Yourself Against Potential Violence

While we hope to never find ourselves at the epicenter of an unfolding terrorist incident, we need to be ready in case it happens. The fact is, the failure to enforce our nation’s borders is offering terrorists a relatively unobstructed pathway to cause violence and chaos in our country. Therefore, it’s incumbent upon each of us to ensure that we do everything possible to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the growing likelihood of a terrorist attack on our soil. 

Here is a list of seven actions that average people can take to protect themselves and their communities against possible terrorism:

1. Develop a Family Emergency Plan:

Create a family emergency plan that includes meeting points, communication methods, and instructions on what to do in an emergency. Check-in with each, especially when out and about, traveling, or attending large events.  

2. Stay Informed:

Stay up-to-date on current events and potential threats through reliable sources, alerts, and community engagement among neighbors, local businesses, and friends, which can help identify and address potential threats.

3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings:

Practice situational awareness throughout your day. Pay attention to your surroundings and watch for any suspicious behavior. As you go about your day, familiarize yourself with the exits and evacuation routes in public buildings, stadiums, and other crowded areas.

4. Report Suspicious Activity:

If you notice anything unusual or suspicious, report it to local law enforcement. 

5. Emergency Contacts:

Save emergency contact numbers in your phone and know how to reach local law enforcement and emergency services.

6. Prepare an Emergency Kit:

Assemble a basic emergency kit that includes non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, environmental protection, and essential documents.

7. Personal Protection Training:

If you haven’t already done so, consider becoming licensed to carry a firearm. Attend CPR and Stop the Bleed training. Also, look into courses or instructional videos on how to deal with active shooter events, terrorism, etc. 

The Bottom Line on the Border Crisis

The fact is, we have no idea when an attack will come or where it will come. However, with terrorists like Movsum Samadov waltzing into our country, it’s reasonable to assume attacks are coming. Therefore, as preparedness-minded people, we must maintain our situational awareness and ability to effectively protect ourselves and our loved ones when what appears to be inevitable happens. After all, it doesn’t require many well-armed terrorists to cause serious problems. 

Ultimately, the bad guys here only have to get it right once—at a time and place of their choosing. On the other hand, you have to get it right every day, day in and day out. That’s something to think about.

Speaking of something to think about, should they happen, what kind of attacks do you foresee? Tell us in the comments below. 

Stay safe,