Judge won't toss ISIS case against N. Philly woman

A federal judge has declined to dismiss a case against a North Philadelphia woman accused of trying to join ISIS.

Keonna Thomas, 30, was charged with attempting to provide material support for a foreign terrorist organization. She openly supported jihadists in Syria and had booked a plane ticket in the hope of joining them there.

Her lawyers argued that the charge violated her First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and freedom of association, and that the charge was improperly applied to her for other legal reasons.

U.S. District Judge Michael M. Baylson rejected the arguments Wednesday and said the case should be decided at trial. Thomas faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. - Robert Moran