Is this an isolated incident? - Page 2

Dennis · 09-13-2007, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

"Editorial" by Reba:

I've noticed that most second generation immigrants (such as from India or Japan, for example) become very "Amercanized" in a short time. The children of immigrants want to become Americans, want to "melt" into the pot, so to speak.

I've seen the photos of Megahed's dad. Dad dresses "American", and is clean shaven in the "American" style. One would expect his son to be even more "Americanized."

However, both "students" are wearing beards, and look less "Americanized" then the immigrant father. It's like they are relating more to Arab culture (and perspective?) than to American culture (and perspective).

Just a curious observation.

That's an overly broad generalization. I'm sure there are plenty of people who don't become integrated with American culture quickly. "Most" makes it sound like almost every second-gen immigant desires it - but I would argue that it's far more granular than that -- there are many aspects of America that many immigrants and even Americans dislike and don't want to integrate into their lives. For example, partying, sexual promiscuity, sports, swearing, wearing "hip" clothes, having "hip" hairstyles, watching TV, dating.

So where do you draw the line at "wanting to be American?" Is it when you accept one thing different from your native culture? Some things? Many things? All things, and shun your native culture?

How would you classify an Indian woman who believes in all traditional Indian things except for arranged marriages? Or an Islamic woman who believes in the ultra-hardline interpretation of covering oneself completely, but still believes in Women's lib and the right to choose the kind of work she does?

I don't think appearance has a dang thing to do with classifying someone as identifying more with any culture. It's EASY to think so, but I think if you rely on that to decide, "Yeah, that guy has to be a terrorist -- look at the way he dresses!" then you're really letting the terrorists win.

Reba · 09-13-2007, 10:24 PM

Update:

September 13, 2007
Prosecutors to show evidence at USF students' hearing

TAMPA -- Federal prosecutors have filed a motion for permission to use a laptop during the bond hearing Friday for two University of South Florida students facing explosives charges.

"The United States is planning to present evidence at the hearing through the use of a laptop computer," says the motion, filed this morning in federal court. "The use of the computer will facilitate in the government's presentation."

Prosecutors have declined to speak about their preparations for the case against suspended USF students Youssef Megahed, 21, and Ahmed Mohamed, 26, or say what they will present in court.

"We're not going to comment outside of the courtroom proceedings or what's in the findings," said Jay Trezevant, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Tampa.

The men remain at a Hillsborough County jail in solitary confinement. A lieutenant at the Falkenburg Road Jail said today that Mohamed continues to defy jail rules by not wearing his wristband. The violation means he isn't allowed to have certain privileges, like receiving mail or visitors.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Jenkins will likely discuss appointing a federal public defender for Megahed at the start of Friday's hearing. Mohamed's Charleston, S.C., attorney, Lionel Lofton, is arriving in Tampa today and plans to represent Mohamed on Friday in court.

Breaking News | tampabay.com - St. Petersburg Times and tbt*

Reba · 09-16-2007, 02:50 PM

Update (9/15/2007):

Quote:

The evidence

Items confiscated from the car carrying Youssef Megahed and Ahmed Mohamed, who were arrested in Goose Creek on Aug. 4 and charged with violating explosives laws:

Three pieces of PVC piping that were filled with a mixture of potassium nitrate, corn syrup and cat box litter.

An electric drill, a box of .22-caliber cartridges, a five-gallon container partially filled with gasoline and 23 feet of safety fuse.

Quote:

...A federal prosecutor said Friday that a laptop computer found in a car stopped in Goose Creek while carrying explosives contained video of the driver demonstrating how to turn a radio-controlled car into a remote-control detonator.

Ahmed Mohamed has admitted that he is the person heard explaining on the video that such a detonator could "save one who wants to be a martyr for another battle," federal prosecutor Jay Hoffer said in a Florida courtroom, according to a report on tampabay.com by The St. Petersburg Times.

Hoffer also told a judge that the computer had been used to visit Web sites about "rifles, weaponry, about the conflict in the Middle East, jihadists."

Quote:

...Megahed denied knowing any of the materials were in the vehicle, but in a secretly recorded conversation between Megahed and Mohamed while they were in the back of a patrol car during their arrest, Hoffer said Megahed "asked Mr. Mohamed pointedly, 'What did you tell them about the gas canister?' "

Lowcountry terror case deepens

Wokamuka · 09-16-2007, 10:03 PM

There are those who say that the war in Iraq/Afghanistan will prevent terrorist attacks in the United States.

There are those who say that the United States is already a major breeding ground for terrorists.

I don't want to find out who is right.

Reba · 10-03-2007, 12:23 PM

Update:

Quote:

Homeland Security watches for toys

Notice on remote control devices not linked to Mohamed video, officials say
By Ron Menchaca
The Post and Courier
Tuesday, October 2, 2007

One week after the release of court documents in which an Egyptian student facing terrorism charges admitted to making a how-to video for building a bomb detonator from a remote control toy, Homeland Security officials announced that airline passengers may be scrutinized for carrying such devices in their bags.

Federal officials said the notice is based on information from a National Intelligence Estimate released in July and is not associated with the explosives case or any specific threats.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials said Monday that remote control toys may be subject to additional security screening because the government "is aware that remote control toys can be used to initiate devices used in terrorist attacks."

These items should be packed in checked baggage, the announcement said.

In court documents released last week, Ahmed Mohamed told authorities he made an Internet video showing how to convert a remote control toy car into a bomb detonator to "assist those persons in Arabic countries to defend themselves against the infidels invading their countries." He said he "considered American troops, and those military forces fighting with the American military, to be invaders of Arab countries."

Mohamed, 26, and Youssef Megahed, 21, face federal charges of illegally transporting bomb materials through Goose Creek on Aug. 4. The 12-minute video was found on a laptop belonging to Mohamed. The computer's hard drive also contained bomb-related documents as well as evidence that the video was posted to the video sharing Web site YouTube.

In the video, Mohamed speaks Arabic with an Egyptian accent as he disassembles a remote-controlled toy car. Wearing a white shirt, khaki pants and rubber gloves, he demonstrates how the toy is built and operated and how far the car can travel via radio frequency from the remote control.

The Transportation Security Administration, which issued Monday's security notice, waved off any connection between the explosives case and the heightened security measures. "This is not tied to any specific time line or plot," TSA spokesman Jon Allen said.
charleston.net

InTheGenes · 10-05-2007, 10:39 AM

SCARY stuff, Reba!

Barbaro · 10-05-2007, 11:17 AM

Now, that is serious. I want to know what car toy looks like.

Reba · 10-05-2007, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barbaro

Now, that is serious. I want to know what car toy looks like.

They didn't show a picture of that particular one. But any RC (radio controlled) car/plane/boat toy can be used. They are very popular toys. Some have adjustable frequencies.

Barbaro · 10-05-2007, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

They didn't show a picture of that particular one. But any RC (radio controlled) car/plane/boat toy can be used. They are very popular toys. Some have adjustable frequencies.

I've seen the Mythbusters did numerous projects on remote controlled toys. They even can use real boats, trucks and cars! :O I definitely think the terrorists will use them in the future. This is not good.

Reba · 10-07-2007, 07:06 AM

Check this out:

http://www.tampabays10.com/news/spec...&storyid=64775

Is this a sign language code?

Reba · 11-29-2007, 10:20 PM

Update:

Quote:

A judge in Tampa ruled today that two Egyptian college students facing federal explosives charges after they were arrested in South Carolina will be tried together.

Defendant Youssef Samir Megahed asked U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday to sever the cases. Merryday didn't comment on his order.

Megahed and fellow USF student Ahmed Abdellatif Sherif Mohamed were arrested in August in Goose Creek. Authorities say they found explosive materials in the car's trunk.

The students claimed they were on their way to a North Carolina beach and that they were looking for cheap gas.

Both men have pleaded not guilty. They remain in jail until their trial, expected sometime next year.

Explosives Arrest - News - Charleston, SC

Pepsi · 11-29-2007, 10:29 PM

This seem very important. their names alone bug the hell out of me.

Reba · 12-14-2007, 08:00 PM

Update:

Quote:

Third USF student arrested in connection with terrorism case

By: Dave Balut

Tampa, Florida - On the University of South Florida campus, some students were concerned to hear the FBI has now arrested a third Muslim student, connected to a terrorism case against two other USF students.

"It does make me a little nervous about what kind of kids are around here on campus and I do live on campus," said USF student Allie Hayes.

"It doesn't sound good for USF. It's just giving yourself a bad reputation," said USF student Mina Tawfik.

Karim Moussaoui was arrested at the Magnolia residence hall Thursday morning on a federal weapons charge in connection with the explosives case against Youssef Megahed and Ahmed Mohamed. The two USF students were arrested in South Carolina in August.

"As far as Mr. Moussaoui goes, we don't know what the story is, we don't know if in fact he's guilty of anything, charges have been brought," said Ken Gullette, USF Director of Media Relations.

Gullette says university officials are still trying to learn more about the charges against Moussaoui.

The federal complaint says Moussaoui entered the Shoot Straight Gun and Archery Range on U.S. 301 in Hillsborough County with Megahed and Mohamed in July.

An FBI agent says Moussaoui told them he did not fire any weapons, but pictures on Megahed's computer allegedly showed Moussaoui at a firing lane with a gun.

"We're Americans and we wouldn't tolerate anything to harm this country any more than anybody would so of course we're concerned any time something like this would come up," said Gullette

Gullette confirmed Moussaoui is a computer engineering major from Morocco who is scheduled to graduate Saturday.

Moussaoui was released from federal custody Thursday afternoon on a $50,000 signature bond.

The judge ordered he remain in the country with home detention and electronic monitoring. His attorney Stephen Crawford says Moussaoui is still planning to attend his graduation ceremony Saturday.

tampabays10.com - Tampa Bay's 10 News - WTSP

Reba · 04-26-2008, 03:59 PM

Update:

Mohamed And Megahed Will Be Tried Separately

Byrdie714 · 04-26-2008, 06:56 PM

What is in South Carolina that a terrorist would be interested in?

The magnolias?

shel90 · 04-26-2008, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

Check this out:

Secret tape backfires in USF student case - Most Popular News - Tampa Bays Local News

Is this a sign language code?

Hard to say...it is definitely not ASL!

He does look like he was just fooling around due to boredom.

Reba · 04-26-2008, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Byrdie714

What is in South Carolina that a terrorist would be interested in?

The magnolias?

They were within a couple of miles of the Naval Weapons Station in Goose Creek (north of Charleston). It is the home of the Naval Nuclear Training Command, where they train sailors in nuclear propulsion for submarines and surface ships. The advanced school on the base also has two nuclear powered submarines moored in the river. Also nearby is the Navy Consolidated Brig, where enemy combatants are held.

The Charleston Air Force Base (nearby) is also the largest C-17 squadron to supply the troops overseas.

shel90 · 04-26-2008, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

They were within a couple of miles of the Naval Weapons Station in Goose Creek (north of Charleston). It is the home of the Naval Nuclear Training Command, where they train sailors in nuclear propulsion for submarines and surface ships. The advanced school on the base also has two nuclear powered submarines moored in the river. Also nearby is the Navy Consolidated Brig, where enemy combatants are held.

The Charleston Air Force Base (nearby) is also the largest C-17 squadron to supply the troops overseas.

That is frightening if the terrorists are hanging out near this base.

Byrdie714 · 04-26-2008, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

They were within a couple of miles of the Naval Weapons Station in Goose Creek (north of Charleston). It is the home of the Naval Nuclear Training Command, where they train sailors in nuclear propulsion for submarines and surface ships. The advanced school on the base also has two nuclear powered submarines moored in the river. Also nearby is the Navy Consolidated Brig, where enemy combatants are held.

The Charleston Air Force Base (nearby) is also the largest C-17 squadron to supply the troops overseas.

Ahh...interesting.

Reba · 04-26-2008, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Byrdie714

Ahh...interesting.

They were pulled over near the weapons station. I drive that area often, so I'm familiar with it. There is no reason to be on that road except to go to the weapons station. It's not a short cut to any thing.

SCBassist · 04-27-2008, 09:30 PM

In my opinion, definitely an ongoing threat. There are numerous unknown cells , whether foreign or domestic terrorists, the U.S. is trying to deal with. The area you described should have lethal enough security to prevent even a shrew from trespassing.

Reba · 04-28-2008, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCBassist

In my opinion, definitely an ongoing threat. There are numerous unknown cells, whether foreign or domestic terrorists, the U.S. is trying to deal with. The area you described should have lethal enough security to prevent even a shrew from trespassing.

It's true that no one can just force their way thru in a car. The secured areas at the Air Force and Navy bases have armed guards (not just side arms), and pop-up vehicle stoppers. Some of the gates have been reconfigured so no one can drive a quick straight line thru the gate; they slowly zigzag now. Even those of us with military decals on our cars have to also show our ID's. Trucks get sniffed and checked with undercarriage mirrors.

Nothing is 100 percent perfect but the security is good.

deafbajagal · 05-04-2008, 06:29 PM

The truth is - terrorists are everywhere...not just from the Middle East. Some were Americans born and raised in the United States. SCBassist is right - it is an ongoing national, state, and local level threat. There are thousands and thousands of incidents like this one that we just don't know about. Frankly, I don't want to know. I'm thankful for the men and women who dedicate their lives every day to keep us safe so we can drink our overpriced Starbucks coffee in the mornings, gripe about work, and come home to watch TV. How lucky are we? How many people in this world do not have that safety net?

09-16-2007, 10:03 PM	#34 (permalink)
Wokamuka 1.20.09 : end of an error Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 432	Where are they? There are those who say that the war in Iraq/Afghanistan will prevent terrorist attacks in the United States. There are those who say that the United States is already a major breeding ground for terrorists. I don't want to find out who is right.

10-05-2007, 11:17 AM	#37 (permalink)
Barbaro doomsday clock's clicking Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: North County Posts: 228	Now, that is serious. I want to know what car toy looks like. __________________ We know what we are but not what we may be. -Author:Shakespeare

04-27-2008, 09:30 PM	#51 (permalink)
SCBassist ...And your point is? Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 175	In my opinion, definitely an ongoing threat. There are numerous unknown cells , whether foreign or domestic terrorists, the U.S. is trying to deal with. The area you described should have lethal enough security to prevent even a shrew from trespassing. __________________ Complaints Division Here

05-04-2008, 06:29 PM	#53 (permalink)
deafbajagal Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: USA Posts: 694	The truth is - terrorists are everywhere...not just from the Middle East. Some were Americans born and raised in the United States. SCBassist is right - it is an ongoing national, state, and local level threat. There are thousands and thousands of incidents like this one that we just don't know about. Frankly, I don't want to know. I'm thankful for the men and women who dedicate their lives every day to keep us safe so we can drink our overpriced Starbucks coffee in the mornings, gripe about work, and come home to watch TV. How lucky are we? How many people in this world do not have that safety net? __________________

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09-13-2007, 10:24 PM	#32 (permalink)
Reba Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 14,887	Update: September 13, 2007 Prosecutors to show evidence at USF students' hearing TAMPA -- Federal prosecutors have filed a motion for permission to use a laptop during the bond hearing Friday for two University of South Florida students facing explosives charges. "The United States is planning to present evidence at the hearing through the use of a laptop computer," says the motion, filed this morning in federal court. "The use of the computer will facilitate in the government's presentation." Prosecutors have declined to speak about their preparations for the case against suspended USF students Youssef Megahed, 21, and Ahmed Mohamed, 26, or say what they will present in court. "We're not going to comment outside of the courtroom proceedings or what's in the findings," said Jay Trezevant, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Tampa. The men remain at a Hillsborough County jail in solitary confinement. A lieutenant at the Falkenburg Road Jail said today that Mohamed continues to defy jail rules by not wearing his wristband. The violation means he isn't allowed to have certain privileges, like receiving mail or visitors. U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Jenkins will likely discuss appointing a federal public defender for Megahed at the start of Friday's hearing. Mohamed's Charleston, S.C., attorney, Lionel Lofton, is arriving in Tampa today and plans to represent Mohamed on Friday in court. Breaking News \| tampabay.com - St. Petersburg Times and tbt*

10-05-2007, 10:39 AM	#36 (permalink)
InTheGenes Intolerant of Intolerance Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northern VA (near DC) Posts: 230	SCARY stuff, Reba!

10-07-2007, 07:06 AM	#40 (permalink)
Reba Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 14,887	Check this out: http://www.tampabays10.com/news/spec...&storyid=64775 Is this a sign language code?

11-29-2007, 10:29 PM	#42 (permalink)
Pepsi Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: West Virginia Posts: 1,004	This seem very important. their names alone bug the hell out of me.

04-26-2008, 03:59 PM	#44 (permalink)
Reba Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 14,887	Update: Mohamed And Megahed Will Be Tried Separately

04-26-2008, 06:56 PM	#45 (permalink)
Byrdie714 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Long Beach Peninsula, WA Posts: 1,477	What is in South Carolina that a terrorist would be interested in? The magnolias?