Boston terror suspect described as promising young student
Educators of Usaamah Rahim, the man federal agents believe prepared to carry out an Isalmic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired plot to behead an American and attack police officers, say he was a promising young student. While his family insists his demeanor had not changed, authorities who began monitoring him 24 hours a day believe he recently became radicalized by the terror group, reports CBS News correspondent Jeff Pegues.
Thursday night, Rahim's family let the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office after watching the surveillance video of his death for the first time.
Investigators still have not made public the surveillance video showing the shooting. CBS News has learned the video will be released after his funeral Friday.
Earlier, at the scene of his deadly confrontation with police, his family denied any knowledge that he had been plotting an attack on law enforcement.
"That comes as an absolute surprise to the family," Rahim family attorney Ronald Sullivan said. "They had not perceived any conduct or change in demeanor with Usaamah consistent with those reports."
In a statement, staff members of the high school Rahim attended in 2007 called him a "bright young man ... who had no major disciplinary infractions"
Rahim's widow chose not to address the media Thursday, but his aunt denied allegations he had been radicalized.
"No! [He's] not with ISIS. I do not believe it," his aunt Karen said.
But investigators say Rahim became inspired by ISIS propaganda online.
Along with his nephew, David Wright who is now in police custody, investigators believe the two discussed an ISIS-style beheading, possibly of controversial critic of Islam Pamela Geller.
But in a recorded conversation, authorities say Rahim decided to go after "the boys in blue" instead, allegedly calling them "the easiest target."
In Rhode Island, federal officials have searched the house of a man from Warwick they say met with Rahim and Wright over the weekend.
They believe they discussed attacks on victims outside of Massachusetts. He has not been charged him with a crime.