Terrorism Arrest Shocks Suspect's Family, Somali Community

Fox 28
By Elizabeth Faugl
Wednesday, February 25, 2015

COLUMBUS (Dawn Faugl) -- The 23-year-old Columbus man arrested on international terrorism charges isn't well known to law enforcement.

ABC 6/FOX 28 looked into Abdirahman Mohamud's criminal record, and found it is virtually clean, with only a theft charge for running out on a $15 tab at a restaurant.

Mohamud came to the United States when he was a young child, and had no problems up until 18 months ago. His attorney says he's not a terrorist, but a devoted son who's been taking care of his ailing mother.

Moments after Mohamud was arraigned in court, Somali community leader Hassan Omar was with his family, offering help and support. "It's heartbreaking, not expecting someone like that to be accused of a crime like this," he said.

The charges are also impacting Columbus's Somali community. Leaders tell ABC 6/FOX 28 they're already making plans to fight back against the stigma of terrorism being linked to their community. "Unfortunately, it's going to make our community bad and tarnish our image, but I hope we will overcome," Omar said.

They're holding a public community meeting on Friday to discuss ways they can keep the terrorism case from damaging the good work Somalis are doing in Columbus.

(Source: Fox 28)

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