Tulsa, Oklahoma – September 24, 2025 — The Department of Justice has unsealed charges against Andrew Scott Hastings, 25, a former U.S. Army National Guard soldier who allegedly attempted to provide 3-D printed weapons and machine gun parts to al-Qa’ida. The arrest is being hailed by federal authorities as a major counterterrorism success — but it also raises urgent and troubling questions about the growing infiltration of radical Islamic ideology within the U.S. military itself.
Investigators say Hastings mailed over 100 machine gun conversion switches, handgun components, and 3-D printed firearm parts to an individual he believed was an al-Qa’ida contact. That “contact” was in fact an undercover federal agent. Hastings also provided 500+ pages of notes and U.S. Army manuals on weapons manufacturing and tactics.
Far from idle talk, Hastings reportedly fantasized about creating a nuclear weapon, encouraged jihadist-style physical training and cyber warfare preparation, and praised Hamas’s use of tunnels to shield their soldiers in Gaza.
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A Soldier Turned Traitor
Court documents reveal that Hastings was not a fringe outsider, but a soldier who held a security clearance while serving as an aircraft powertrain repairer in the National Guard. Despite the trust placed in him, Hastings was allegedly plotting to arm one of the most infamous Islamic terrorist groups in the world.Investigators say Hastings mailed over 100 machine gun conversion switches, handgun components, and 3-D printed firearm parts to an individual he believed was an al-Qa’ida contact. That “contact” was in fact an undercover federal agent. Hastings also provided 500+ pages of notes and U.S. Army manuals on weapons manufacturing and tactics.
Far from idle talk, Hastings reportedly fantasized about creating a nuclear weapon, encouraged jihadist-style physical training and cyber warfare preparation, and praised Hamas’s use of tunnels to shield their soldiers in Gaza.
Radicalized While in Uniform
Hastings’ path to terrorism reportedly began long before his arrest. As early as June 2024, the FBI identified him in online groups discussing violent jihad against U.S. civilians. He allegedly told others to prepare for war against America, and even failed to report overseas travel during his Guard service — a serious breach of military protocol.More:
