Man's Anti-ISIS Light Display Mistaken For Message Of Support
LIMERICK, Maine (CBS/AP) — Deputies paid a visit to a southern Maine home after its owner's raunchy anti-terrorist Christmas light display was misconstrued as support for the Islamic State group.
The Portland Press Herald reports (http://bit.ly/1P1RlIa ) the homeowner, who wasn't identified, used lights to spell out the word "ISIS" on a board below the deck of the home in Limerick.
York County Sheriff William King says that was all a concerned resident saw when he notified the office of a potential "ISIS sympathizer."
What he didn't see, however, was the illuminated plastic Santa Claus placed atop the deck that appeared to be urinating on the word ISIS via a strand of white lights.
King says no laws were broken and the homeowner will rearrange the lights to "clear up any doubts about his message."
President Barack Obama on Monday said the U.S.-led coalition is making progress against Islamic State militants in both Iraq and Syria, as he delivered an update on the campaign aimed at reassuring Americans worried about the spread of extremism-fuel terrorism.
The president said Monday the U.S. would continue to urge coalition allies to contribute more to the fight. Defense Secretary Ash Carter planned to leave for the Middle East on Monday to ask allies there to step up, Obama said.
U.S. officials have insisted there are no specific, credible threats to the United States. But the apparent lack of warning before San Bernardino has raised concerns about whether the U.S. has a handle on potential attacks, especially during high-profile times such as the end-of-year holidays.