Teen Jihadist Text Messages Reveal Homophobia, Anti-Capitalism

"The spirit of Columbine is within me."

FOUNTAIN HILLS — The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has released the text messages from the phone of terrorism suspect Ismail Hamed. The texts reveal the young man’s intense homophobia, and loathing of western society.

Hamed had sworn allegiance to ISIS in a 911 call he made on January 7 in which he demanded to speak to an officer face-to-face. Hamed told the dispatcher, “I’d like to do something in protest for the people suffering in Palestine and in the Middle East.”

In the call, Hamed told the dispatcher that he was carrying rocks and a knife.

After a deputy responded to Hamed’s demand, Hamed began throwing the rocks at the officer and eventually drew the knife. It was as he approached the deputy with the weapon, that he was shot and wounded.

According to the recently released documents, Hamed, who was enrolled in a Scottsdale high school, also discussed engaging in acts of violence at school.

In his texts, Hamad also praised terrorist Omar Marteen, who killed dozens of people and wounded over 50 more at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

According to the Sheriff’s office, Hamed used social media to spread Islamic State (ISIS) propaganda to friends. Detectives learned that on at least two occasions Hammad transmitted to a person “expressions of admiration for Mateen.” Hamed also forwarded a video from Anwar al-Awlaki in a text in which he said the video changed his life.

Al-Awlaki was a recruiter for the militant group al-Qaeda and was behind the attacks on 9/11. His videos have been used to radicalize young Muslims and justify violence.

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Detectives noted that Hamed’s parents had no idea that he was being radicalized. His father had chalked up his recent beard growth as a failure in hygiene rather than a sign that he was preparing for jihad.

[View text messages]

Hamed is facing one count of terrorism, and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

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