Local Muslims Distancing Themselves From Local Terror Suspect
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - The day after Aws Mohammad Al-Jayab was arrested on terror-related charges, people are curious about the man.
Al-Jayab's Facebook profile shows him posing for photos with the Golden Gate Bridge and a Range Rover in the background. But federal investigators say the 23-year-old's apparent admiration for the American life, isn't what it seems.
"I just want to make sure you understand that there are no terrorists at the mosque and there's a sheriff's department right over there," said Usman, who attends the Masjid Annur Islamic Center.
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Usman, who doesn't want to tell give out his last name, adamantly defended the Islamic community when hearing that Al-Jayab recently checked into the Masjid Annur Islamic Center via Facebook. it's one of the oldest and largest mosques in Sacramento. Mosque president Sajid Hussain says Friday prayer alone draws 1,500.
"I'm telling you ma'am, it's really sad but that guy is not part of this community," said Hussain.
Across town at American River College, officials say a student by the same name is enrolled as a computer science major.
Investigators say the Iraqi refugee used social media to communicate with family and associates about returning to Syria to "work".
Investigators say while Al-Jayab was potentially dangerous, there is no indication that he planned any attacks in the U.S., but that doesn't ease this student's concerns.
"It's been terrifying that there is a possibility that it could be anyone, just any ordinary person like the person working at Starbucks or the person sitting right next to you in class," said Joanna, an American River College student.