Ahmed Mohamed, 14, arrested over clock mistaken for bomb. Reasonable precaution or massive overreaction?

2015-09-16T12:14:06-04:00

What do you guys think? I can understand their initial reaction, however had this been someone else? Would the reaction be the same? Race card aside, it was handled pretty inappropriately as well. The situation could and should have been assessed on the spot especially since the engineering teacher already had knowledge.

Ahmed Mohamed: No charges for boy, 14, arrested over clock - BBC News

Texas police decide not to charge a 14-year-old Muslim boy who was arrested for bringing a homemade clock to school.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Sep 16 at 2015 12:17 PM

2015-09-16T12:17:42-04:00

Sounds like profiling.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 12:19 PM

2015-09-16T12:19:40-04:00

In today's world I would think anyone carrying this clock in a school would be arrested until the facts are known. Is it right? Probably not. But, what would the cost be if it were not a clock?

People need to realize that jokes about guns or explosives in schools are no longer jokes.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 12:24 PM

2015-09-16T12:24:35-04:00

SrA Edward Vong Thank you for posting this. There is a different issue here than the one being seen i.e. his race. The issue is about preserving his rights as a juvenile. First the Arab Islamic Committee shouldn't be using this 14 year old boy as a way to further their agenda. Second it doesn't state if the boy's parents were notified prior to the beginning of questioning and or if they were present at all. Were his rights as a juvenile violated? On the part of the school they are responsible for ensuring the safety of all the students who attend the school there might have been overreaction but I'm sure the intent was not directed at him because of his race.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Sep 16 at 2015 12:37 PM

2015-09-16T12:37:34-04:00

""This wouldn't even be a question if his name wasn't Ahmed Mohamed. He is an excited kid who is very bright and wants to share it with his teachers."....I want to say and believe this isn't true, but inside I think it was a factor. I just hope that this unfortunate event does nothing to stop this child from his desire to learn. He is what America needs for the future; dreamers who can make those dreams reality.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Sep 16 at 2015 12:53 PM

2015-09-16T12:53:12-04:00

When I think of some of the breadboard projects I made in high school... Ah, well.

The good news is the kid's getting some good visibility, and already some pings from NASA, JPL, and others.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2015/09/16/istandwithahmed-scientists-and-the-public-surge-to-support-boy-arrested-for-homemade-clock/

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Sep 16 at 2015 1:37 PM

2015-09-16T13:37:46-04:00

You know SrA Edward Vong, you never cease to surprise me with that you bring to the community. This article, while a sad example of the state of this country, made me both smile and cry a little. Here is a boy, soooo excited to show his teacher what he did yet another teacher took it to a level that it probably didn't need to go it. Sure, I'm glad that the teacher did what she felt was needed to keep her and the other children safe, but lets face it, I doubt it looked anything like the picture above. I fear this is a result of people not seeing beyond their personal blinders and not seeking proper education before taking action. I'm not saying the boy carrys no fault. Even the other teacher was concerned that others might view his craft as something it wasn't. Maybe the boy should have told his teacher first and they could have set a time up after school so he wasn't stuck with the clock in his bag in other classes. Maybe the teacher, understanding that others might view the clock as something it wasn't, should have offered to hold onto the clock until the end of day. Either way, I hope the kid keeps exploring and learning. This doesn't need to turn into an other misleading example on how everyone with the name of Ahmed is bad.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Sep 16 at 2015 1:50 PM

2015-09-16T13:50:59-04:00

Yes now it would

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 1:58 PM

2015-09-16T13:58:51-04:00

My first reaction was, "Who would be so insane as to do this to a kid?!"...then, I read into the story a bit more. As my "liberal" friends sometimes suggest, facts are hard to ignore...and the "fact" is that we are living in a time of fear, uncertainty and uncommon danger in places we traditionally thought of as "safe". Up until a few months ago, I wouldn't have been concerned that a security guard or an airline pilot might be on a mission of murder either. Having seen a little of Islam in an Islamic nation, I know that most Muslims are like anyone else...they want to succeed, live their lives, and enjoy the experience. However, it is unquestioned that some people among us take their frustration and concern to entirely radical levels...and there is no age/education/background limit on capability and intent...Some of us know that all too well. Ahmed IS a smart kid...and what's more, he knows it. From robotics to other inventions, he has already shown promise. It sounds like he took his home-spun clock to class to show a teacher...sounds like that teacher advised him to be careful about who he showed it to. I am inclined to ask the same question the authorities were forced to ask...why would he bring a project that wasn't part of his school work, and why choose a humble clock...from the sounds of things, he could've just as easily brought a homemade robot. I don't think this young man should be arrested, charged with a crime, and put through this level of insanity...but I don't think we should be suspending kids for making "guns" out of Pop Tarts, either. Let's face it, the authorities at the school should've been smart too...you've got a kid who showed his gizmo to a teacher; not exactly the behavior of a would-be bomber. In the end, no one's pressing charges, he will NOT have a criminal record...in fact, he WILL receive more attention of a positive nature than most kids his age. That said, people will use this to the "n-th" degree to try and promote some sense of "profiling" or "xenophobia" when the real issue is just plain, old, indiscriminate fear.

Response by TSgt David L. made Sep 16 at 2015 2:24 PM

2015-09-16T14:24:29-04:00

The poor kid just made a clock to look like the one his dad made...! Bwahahahahahaha I must be funny today! LOL :D

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 2:40 PM

2015-09-16T14:40:24-04:00

At a time when we're trying to persuade the Muslim world that we are not their enemy, that our policies aren't driven by anti-Muslim bias, we are racially profiling Muslim children as bomb-wielding terrorists. We are seemingly confirming the Muslim world's worst fears about us — and giving ammunition to those who argue that America is deeply hostile to Muslims.

2) At a time when the World Economic Forum ranks America as 48th in the quality of its math and science education and the Organization for Economic Development ranks American students as 27th in math and 20th in science, we're arresting a child who wears NASA shirts and builds machines in his spare time — and we're doing it because the education professionals charged with guiding his development can't tell the difference between a clock and a bomb.

3) At a time when we desperately need the world's most talented immigrants to come to the US and build the industries of the future, we're sending a message that immigrant families like Mohamed's will be treated with suspicion and, at times, outright racism.

4) But the most heartbreaking part of the picture isn't about national policy or international headlines. It's the look on Mohamed's face. America was supposed to be better than this. But on Monday, his school and his local police force — both of them public institutions that his family's tax dollars support — failed him in a terrible, traumatic way.
http://www.vox.com/2015/9/16/9337053/Ahmed-Mohamed-school-arrest

This heartbreaking photo drives home why Ahmed Mohamed's arrest was such a travesty

Let’s count the ways Ahmed Mohamed’s arrest was a horrible mistake.

Response by SPC Will Keller made Sep 16 at 2015 2:41 PM

2015-09-16T14:41:10-04:00

I don't think like it has a this game to do with race. But if you're bringing something home made then clear it before bringing it in.

Would POTUS be as inviting if the students wasn't a minority?

Not making this about race, however if it was a white kid would it have garnered as much coverage?

I'm glad POTUS reached out. It shows that not all Muslims are evil.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 3:05 PM

2015-09-16T15:05:58-04:00

When faced with a decision one has to consider the consequences of his/her choices. In this case the consequence of assuming this was bomb and not a clock, if incorrect, were hurt feelings and a lot of uproar over perceived racial bias.

The consequence of assuming it was a clock and not a bomb, if incorrect could have been many deaths ans injury.

I am neither a bigot nor an overzealous person. I have been in charge of the security in two K-12 schools. Without a doubt or hesitation I would have gone with the theory that this was a bomb until proven that it was not.

Bringing this into a school building in today's world is simply not appropriate until everyone has been informed that it is indeed not a bomb. Obviously this was not done.

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 16 at 2015 3:17 PM

2015-09-16T15:17:34-04:00

I can understand the school's initial concerns. Once they figured out that it was in fact a clock and combine that with the fact that he stated it was a clock and not something harmful, the issue should have never escalated in an arrest. Even the picture that I saw of the clock shows it clearly wasn't a bomb. Then again we are talking about institutions that punish kids for biting pop tarts in shapes that resemble firearms. Thankfully I don't have kids, and if I did I would home school them.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Sep 16 at 2015 3:30 PM

2015-09-16T15:30:38-04:00

According to the Dallas Morning N

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 3:44 PM

2015-09-16T15:44:31-04:00

I agree with you. I think the reaction was a little harsh, his going to juvenile detention. I would want the officers at school to just assess the incident, if they found no foul play, give apologies and move on. But I'm sorry, this is world we live in now and it's scary.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 16 at 2015 3:46 PM

2015-09-16T15:46:44-04:00

This article made me think of the movie "The Breakfast Club." Now think back to the kids serving Saturday detention in the movie and the transgressions that got them there. Now think about that in today's world.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 4:17 PM

2015-09-16T16:17:07-04:00

For all those with their heads in the sand who don't think this happened because this kid's name was Ahmed Mohammed, I give you this article:

http://gawker.com/7-kids-not-named-mohamed-who-brought-homemade-clocks-to [login to see] ?rev= [login to see] 94&utm_campaign=socialflow_gawker_facebook&utm_source=gawker_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

7 Kids Not Named Mohamed Who Brought Homemade Clocks to School And Didn't Get Arrested

Hoping to impress the teachers at his new school, an Irving, Texas, high school freshman named Ahmed Mohamed brought a homemade clock with him to MacArthur High Monday morning, which he’d assembled before bed the night before. When he showed it to those teachers, though, they were something other than impressed, and by Monday afternoon, Mohamed was being led out of school in handcuffs. Ahmed’s English teacher believed the device was a bomb.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Sep 16 at 2015 4:37 PM

2015-09-16T16:37:49-04:00

SrA Edward Vong Yeah, this was pretty retarded. That kid's about as dangerous as a kitten. Heads are going to (and should) roll over this.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 4:43 PM

2015-09-16T16:43:26-04:00

Yes, but you have to ask the question - What if?
What would the headlines have read if this was not a kid being creative and a homemade clock.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Sep 16 at 2015 5:11 PM

2015-09-16T17:11:54-04:00

If he had tried to take that through airport security he would have been stuffed and cuffed, the bomb squad would have been called and the airport would have been locked down. No way in hell that he would have gotten into the White House with it.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 5:21 PM

2015-09-16T17:21:48-04:00

It depends. I tried to look into this more and sort of ran into dead ends. Was there a science project related assignment? Or something that this fit into? A shop/electronics class? If not then bringing it to school was silly and with how it looks I don't think that has anything to do with his background.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 5:23 PM

2015-09-16T17:23:58-04:00

Sgt Richard Buckner Exactly. Sort of reminds me of the complaints - It was only a toy gun, why was he shot?

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Sep 16 at 2015 5:36 PM

2015-09-16T17:36:18-04:00

It probably would. No organics, and it's searchable.

It's actually a lot simpler than laptops, cell phones, and tablets.

Response by SGT Christopher Churilla made Sep 16 at 2015 5:43 PM

2015-09-16T17:43:58-04:00

I disagree that the actions of the teacher and police were based solely on his race; how many school shootings have been done by people of Middle Eastern descent?

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Sep 16 at 2015 5:45 PM

2015-09-16T17:45:30-04:00

the show of ignorance and racism by the school and the local gov is mind blowing. I'd sue the shit out of them if I was him.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Sep 16 at 2015 5:58 PM

2015-09-16T17:58:21-04:00

The difference is, unless the individual is transporting a national science project, there is no reason to bring that device on to an aircraft. A kid wanted to show off his project to a teacher. The reaction is understandable, what it led to was unnecessary.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 6:00 PM

2015-09-16T18:00:52-04:00

It doesn't mention one thing. Did he let his teacher know he was bringing it? I was in drama club in high school and brought props in all the time. If I didn't let the principal and teachers know in advance that I was bringing questionable items, I got in trouble.

Airport security would probably lose their minds if it was brought in willy nilly but as far as the White House goes, if the president asked and actually made arrangements so he wasn't harassed then I don't see why he would get stopped.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 6:04 PM

2015-09-16T18:04:32-04:00

I've never seen any negative feedback about the military, I've started to wonder if that's the media just trying to make stories. I'm going to school and I see a lot of veterans using the GI bill. I get asked and I see them get asked.

Response by CPT(P) David Thorp made Sep 16 at 2015 7:41 PM

2015-09-16T19:41:46-04:00

In Texas..Muslim + clock = Terrorist.

Response by MSgt Aaron Brite made Sep 16 at 2015 7:43 PM

2015-09-16T19:43:21-04:00

Great way to discourage STEM education and exploration bybover reacting instead of talking to the student.

Response by Sgt Sean Carr made Sep 16 at 2015 7:54 PM

2015-09-16T19:54:33-04:00

I'm neither for nor against this issue, but in the defense of the teachers and officers involved, would you feel safe if a kid brought something that actually looked like a bomb, but the teachers insisted that there was no way a young high school kid would know how to build a bomb and didn't think anything more of it?

Response by PO1 Matthew Murdock made Sep 16 at 2015 8:12 PM

2015-09-16T20:12:36-04:00

This is crazy!! That teacher should be ashamed of what they did any issue a apology to him. Hope the best for this kids and hope this does not sour his love for this country and science.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Sep 17 at 2015 12:02 AM

2015-09-17T00:02:22-04:00

Massive overreaction.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Sep 17 at 2015 1:37 AM

2015-09-17T01:37:00-04:00

SrA Edward Vong - Airman; Let's see now:

[1] Really bright kid is interested in electronics and makes a digital clock.
[2] Really bright kid is proud of his achievement and takes the clock to school to show to a teacher.
[3] A teacher who is not involved thinks "Muslim + wiring = !!B!!O!!M!!B!!" and calls the cops.
[4] Cops arrive, think "Muslim + wiring = !!B!!O!!M!!B!!" and lock the kid up without asking anyone any questions whatsoever.
[5] Everyone congratulates themselves on how much safer they have made America by deterring terrorist attacks.
[6] No one apologizes to the really bright kid and he forms the "completely unjustified" idea that people hate Muslims.

Nope, nothing wrong here folks, move along, nothing to see, move along.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Sep 17 at 2015 3:42 AM

2015-09-17T03:42:51-04:00

I can understand law enforcement investigating the matter to determine whether or not it was a threat but once they saw that it was in fact a clock and had literally nothing inside that could even be remotely explosive they should have realized that it wasn't a threat and neither was he.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Sep 17 at 2015 6:17 AM

2015-09-17T06:17:16-04:00

This sort of thing happens quite often...You have to consider some folks are paranoid these days with all the news about homegrown terrorists. & innocent Muslims have been and will be mistaken for being a Islamic Terrorist.. It is a sad commentary for the times we live in today.. Just one old man's opinion & I welcome others who don't agree with me..

Response by SPC Thomas Baldwin made Sep 17 at 2015 6:51 AM

2015-09-17T06:51:18-04:00

Its not like the kid was trying to hide it, first clue that it might be a energetic.
Yes the teachers should be vigilant but their actions need to be prudent.
I'm concern is that now this kid has been processed and fingerprinted for this, he will never hold a security clearance for the military, Law enforcement or Federal service. And if he is as smart as it says the actions taken will forever hunt him and his future.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Sep 17 at 2015 6:58 AM

2015-09-17T06:58:05-04:00

A lot of this is driven by over reaction at schools and what they like to call zero tolerance policies. Zero tolerance is a nice way of saying we disengage our brain and assume the worst about certain things and have zero room for interpretation.

We have seen this with suspensions for gun shaped pop tarts and young boys getting in trouble for being too friendly with young girls (kissing on the cheek) and even reprimands for Bible reading in school. Google them if you don't believe me.

It goes from an insult to the absurd when law enforcement is brought in to "deal" with the situation. Because no one is allowed to use their brain, good judgment etc we end up with a 14 year old clock maker in handcuffs and everyone in positions of authority acting as though they have done the appropriate thing.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 17 at 2015 7:56 AM

2015-09-17T07:56:24-04:00

I heard. Just makes me sick the Racist Ignorance in this country. I would say the Kid has a case to sue the living daylights out of the Police, City and School District.

Response by CPL Timothy Lane made Sep 17 at 2015 8:04 AM

2015-09-17T08:04:14-04:00

I made clocks at ITT tech. Was any thing else that provoked their action..

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 8:18 AM

2015-09-17T08:18:08-04:00

I'd say that clock does look like a suspicious device. I can understand the confusion and the concern for safety. It was a mistake on the part of authorities, but if the clock had been a bomb and had injured students, we'd be having a completely different discussion. Better safe than sorry, and an apology to Ahmed should suffice. IMHO, this story is being way overblown to make a political point.

Response by CPL Timothy Lane made Sep 17 at 2015 8:49 AM

2015-09-17T08:49:01-04:00

I served with a guy named usuma Ahmed his only ambition was to learn Combat Engineering and go home to defend his homeland against you know who.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 10:17 AM

2015-09-17T10:17:04-04:00

Massive over-reaction. My guess is that had this been a white kid named John Smith, his teacher would have been impressed.

Note that they arrested this kid, and questioned him for hours without his parents or a lawyer (in direct violation of state law) because "he might have a bomb"...but they did not evacuate the school, or bring in a bomb disposal unit, or really take any precautions that one would expect had they really believed this to be a bomb.

Way to show the Muslim world that America really is hostile towards them, and way to squash the kind of interest in STEM that is desperately needed in this country.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Sep 17 at 2015 10:30 AM

2015-09-17T10:30:15-04:00

I would rather see over reaction rather than no action. I understand the law enforcement reaction. The way things have been in this country, you cannot blame them for treating every suspicion as a life threatening event. That is a sad commentary on the land of the free. The school is where I think the mishandling of the situation occurred. School used to be a place of learning. A student showing passion for a field would be encouraged not met with handcuffs and suspension. There are two elements to this story that compound the stupidity of the situation. First, once it was determined that it was harmless, why was the student still suspended from school? Second, why did the President feel that this warranted a trip to the White House? I will address that now.

Lets start with the easy one. Mr. Obama is a citizen of the United States as well as POTUS. He has the right as a citizen to stand up for what he believes in. He has a responsibility to temper that against his obligations as President. So while Mr. Obama the citizen may have been outraged by the events that occurred, President Obama should have not interjected into what amounts to a local civil matter. I would be fine with this young man being invited to the White House, under the right circumstances. If it was a young inventors event, future of America event, top young minds event, or some other event bringing bright young students to share ideas, I would be fine with it. I think it is a horrible idea to invite a person to the White House simply because they have been wronged by the system. If that was the case, he should be inviting every Veteran who is waiting for the VA to get their shit together and provide necessary services to the White House. This did not need to be a political matter, but because of how it was handled, it has become exactly that. Shame on you Mr. Obama.

The more difficult issue is the way it was handled by the school. I understand the need for student safety. I understand that when a student violates school rules, they need to be disciplined (though I have never understood giving time off for bad behavior). The teacher who reported this saw a student with something that was perceived as threatening. The teacher took the action deemed appropriate. What the teacher didn't do was bother to find out anything about the situation. Sometimes there is a need to drop the hammer, and sometimes there is a need to open a dialogue. A student carrying a gun, drop the hammer. That student has already gotten to a point where they are engaged. A student with a suspicious package, open a dialogue. Talk to the kid. Ask questions. Not just about what they are carrying, but about their mental state. I am really convinced that a five minute conversation with Ahmed would have defused the situation before it exploded. Additionally, Ahmed was suspended from school for this, WHY? Suspended for good time keeping? Suspended for being smart? Suspended for being creative? Suspended for being different? Suspended for being Muslim? Any way you look at it, none of those are valid reasons to suspend a child from school. I stand by my statement that once it was determined that there was no threat, Ahmed should have gone back to class.

I do feel bad for this kid. He is never going to live up to the events of the last two days. He has been made out as this genius engineer being persecuted for his ethnicity. He has become a symbol of everything wrong with our society right now. Why? Because he built a clock and wanted to show it off. I am not trying to take away from what he did. I think it is awesome that a fourteen year old kid is able to build stuff like that. I am simply concerned that there is going to be so much pressure on this young man that there is no way he is going to live up to the hype.

I really think that we are coming to a cross-roads in this nation. I think we are dumbing down, and softening people. When I was young we had toy guns that looked like the real thing. The closer to reality the more we liked it. We never would have thought about pointing it at a police officer. If we had, that would have gotten a butt whipping. Now if a child eats a pop tart into a shape that resembles a gun, they get kicked out of school. Kids get awards for showing up. We are teaching them that success is governed not by effort but by attendance. This is in that same vein. This student showed some intelligence, skill, and effort. He was rewarded for his display with handcuffs and suspension. Why not just post up: IF YOUR CHILD EXCELS, WE WILL TAKE ACTION TO BRING THEM DOWN. Worse still, between all of this, we are setting up the United States to fall. When our enemies no longer fear us, we no longer have the fortitude to stand up for our values, we don't have the heart or intelligence to realize it, we are setting up this great nation to be attacked, taken down, and occupied.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Sep 17 at 2015 10:44 AM

2015-09-17T10:44:07-04:00

As I stated in the other thread....
What do the following kids have in common?

Peter Mathis of Wilmington, North Carolina
Haley Zinke and Tasha Williams of Turtle Lake, North Dakota
Logan Weimer of Holland, Ohio
Indy Brumbraugh and Cesar Limas of Dade City, Florida
Tori Clark of Ellis, Kansas
Ahmed Mohamed, Irving, Texas

They all brought home made clocks to school!

Which one ended up in hand-cuffs?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 11:02 AM

2015-09-17T11:02:46-04:00

Lets take a second and consider all things here. The incident was close to the anniversary of 9/11 (poor timing, likely not on the mind of our youth). Most of our average Americans knowledge of electronics/electrical systems are cloaked by attractive plastic and displays. Pop culture has portrayed many mobile bombs to be located in briefcases.

Now enter the situation after our populace is reminded about the events that changed the world in 2001, a young adult brings a brief case to school to show a teacher a clock he had built. Other teachers/students see a briefcase with wires and some circuit boards and worry, they call the police (if they don't have a resource officer(s) assigned to the school). They also become worried about the whole situation.
I understand where they are coming from, this should have been handled differently but you can't undo the past, you can only move forward and right wrongs and adjust policy based on fact/past events.
This also brings me to Teachers knowing their students, if they knew more about them not only would this prevent a situation like this, they could also foster more care and could elevate the learning of these students...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 11:04 AM

2015-09-17T11:04:31-04:00

My initial reaction after reading the article, but before watching the video was 100% in favor of the student. After seeing what the clock looked like, I can see why he got in trouble, though their response was incredibly disproportionate. If I saw a box with a clock on it, I would be a little suspicious. You can't bring replica weapons to school. You're really not supposed to bring water guns to school, because just because it's florescent pink doesn't mean it's not a real gun. It seems silly, but that's technically the law. I can't act like a little white Texan boy would've been treated the same but this is the world we live in.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Sep 17 at 2015 11:52 AM

2015-09-17T11:52:38-04:00

It's all about perspective.

Ahmed Mohamed shows up with something that looks like it could be a bomb as a school (looking at the pictures I'd be calling the bomb squad to investigate too)... In this day and age? With the training that school staff receives to try and prevent school massacres, and the hyper-awareness of the war on terror? It would be disappointing if there wasn't a reaction, but the kid is a stranger to me.

On the other hand... The kid built a clock! How cool is that? Hope the reaction didn't make him want to quit. BTW, I have that same shirt!

I do think press and The President handled it poorly though. Poor kid is now caught in the middle of a bunch of people trying to grab attention. I would have seen the President quietly invite the kid... reinforce that he did nothing wrong privately.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Sep 17 at 2015 12:57 PM

2015-09-17T12:57:47-04:00

I initially saw this story on Facebook and I was completely appalled at how this played out.
Is the teacher a complete moron or just a fearful dolt?
He brought it in and showed the teacher what it was and if the teacher had any concerns then should have been the adult in the situation.
To arrest this kid for a digital clock is beyond stupid.
I can say with 100% certainty that had this kid been white, black, Hispanic or Asian the teacher would have been more like "very good, nice to see you being creative". Sadly this kid is Muslim and the teacher and school immediately thought terrorist in the making. Even the police over reacted, they should have taken a moment to see what it was and react properly.
This whole situation sucks because of paranoia.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Sep 17 at 2015 1:27 PM

2015-09-17T13:27:33-04:00

Overreaction and yet prudent to look farther.
It's the "HOW" that pisses me off, not the intent.
It's the assumed guilty, feel free to prove your innocence that pisses me off about this.
Today it was a 14 year old boy with a homemade clock (i built clocks, radios, alarms triggered by light, tripwire, pressure, ect as a kid) tomorrow it could be a 50 year old retired Army "killer" that has weapons in his home and never leaves home with one or more who has made disparaging remarks against the president.. and has been "linked" to events were homemade bombs were used, built, parts gathered (they will conveniently not mention all of that was part of the assigned job, and most times said Vet was trying to stop, kill, or ID and neutralize these bomb makers)

Said vet will be arrested, and held without bond, forced to PROVE his innocence FIRST.. Vice, a DA building a case of guilt supported by facts FIRST.

Response by LTC Henry Barber made Sep 17 at 2015 1:56 PM

2015-09-17T13:56:42-04:00

Is the photo above the actual clock?

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 17 at 2015 2:13 PM

2015-09-17T14:13:03-04:00

It seems there is almost universal agreement: Overreaction. And yes, the child's rights were trampled. And no, there's no excuse. BUT it is instructive to reflect on WHY there was such an overreaction and trampling of rights. The root problem is that Americans have no faith in the authorities: Local, regional, or national to enforce laws and protect us. This problem is compounded by the fact that the authorities (beginning with George Bush) want US to hunker down and let them do the job, and those now in command of the Administration was to deny US the right to defend ourselves. Yes, We the People are feeling a bit paranoid these days, aren't we? Then, today, I read of a Palestinian boy whose ambition it is to become an engineer. Why? So he can blow up Israelis. More paranoia. We need to get it under control. We can start by preparing to defend ourselves regardless of what the Left thinks. We can start preparing to care for ourselves in the event of tragedy whether natural or man made. And we can start by voting more carefully to elect leaders and representatives who will once again earn our trust.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Sep 17 at 2015 3:42 PM

2015-09-17T15:42:10-04:00

First name 'Ahmed' last name 'Mohamed' and he looks Middle-Eastern. He never had a chance.

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Sep 17 at 2015 8:03 PM

2015-09-17T20:03:39-04:00

What if he were carrying a pressure cooker in his backpack? Or a cheese sandwich or "the school has insisted a pupil was not excluded 'for just having Mini Cheddars in their lunchbox' but because there had been a 'persistent and deliberate breach of school policy, such as bringing in crisps, biscuits, sausage rolls, mini sausages, scotch eggs and similar'.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2552081/Boy-six-suspended-school-taking-packet-Mini-Cheddars-lunchbox-EXPELLED-parents-vented-outrage-press.html#ixzz3m2m4Qqwd

Heaven help us all...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 8:33 PM

2015-09-17T20:33:48-04:00

I did not see this initially and it does not look like a clock but the left-wing buttheads were sure quick to jump on the school..... lol

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 9:09 PM

2015-09-17T21:09:29-04:00

After reading all of the responses here my wish is that you all get a chance to be in the position of the teacher who did not have enough information to know that there was no threat.

After the fact knowledge makes everyone an expert.

I am glad that it all turned out innocent. But, I still wonder what all would be saying had it not been.

We train our school staffs to report any suspicious activity and then criticize them when they do.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Sep 17 at 2015 9:17 PM

2015-09-17T21:17:22-04:00

I have to ask,,, As you clearly KNOW the item in question was a clock.. Why did YOU choose to to use a picture depicting a bomb?
I can assume many negative things, or just assume you cared not to consider what your choice implies about your position on the topic.. But Id prefer to hear it from you SrA Edward Vong

Thanks

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Sep 17 at 2015 9:50 PM

2015-09-17T21:50:28-04:00

IMO, this could've been handled better but are this child's parents ignorant? Surely they, being Muslims living in Texas, are self aware enough to know that their kid bringing something like this to school is not a good idea.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Sep 17 at 2015 10:10 PM

2015-09-17T22:10:55-04:00

That's pretty much what they look like on the inside.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Sep 17 at 2015 10:21 PM

2015-09-17T22:21:31-04:00

Do you actually know what the inside of your clock looks like?
(hint: it looks a lot like that)
Do you know what explosive ordnance looks like?
(hint: it looks nothing like that)

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Sep 17 at 2015 10:25 PM

2015-09-17T22:25:00-04:00

Since we seem to be posting this story over, and over, and over ..
Let me feel free to post this response over, and over, and over....
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
What do the following kids have in common?

Peter Mathis of Wilmington, North Carolina
Haley Zinke and Tasha Williams of Turtle Lake, North Dakota
Logan Weimer of Holland, Ohio
Indy Brumbraugh and Cesar Limas of Dade City, Florida
Tori Clark of Ellis, Kansas
Ahmed Mohamed, Irving, Texas

They all brought home made clocks to school!

Which one ended up in hand-cuffs?

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Sep 17 at 2015 10:25 PM

2015-09-17T22:25:22-04:00

I said something similar in another thread. How can the parents not know these things? That's the first thing I thought, SMH.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Sep 17 at 2015 10:25 PM

2015-09-17T22:25:41-04:00

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 10:25 PM

2015-09-17T22:25:48-04:00

I believe the fuss was over how the student was handled by the school's administration and the Irving Police Department. Strictly for safety any teacher should notify the administration over anything that resembles a threat. However is was reported that the police department refused to let this 14 year old call his father until after the interrogation. (I am not defending the left and/or their agenda) This is what supposedly got the left upset.

Response by LTC Henry Barber made Sep 17 at 2015 10:38 PM

2015-09-17T22:38:53-04:00

If this is what it actually looks like, his parents should have said something.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 8:44 AM

2015-09-18T08:44:55-04:00

If any other kid at that school had brought a clock that looked like a bomb they would have been arrested too.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Sep 18 at 2015 9:18 AM

2015-09-18T09:18:25-04:00

I think the teacher over reacted and arresting the child was too much without providing proof of threat.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 9:57 AM

2015-09-18T09:57:00-04:00

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/muslim-group-doesnt-fault-school-or-police-for-boys-arrest/ar-AAeoyVu?li=AAa0dzB

This is an interesting response from a Muslim group. I have to agree so some degree.

Muslim group doesn't fault school or police for boy's arrest

One of the largest Muslim groups in Texas said Thursday that it does not fault police and school officials who handcuffed and suspended a 14-year-old Muslim boy after he brought a homemade clock to class that they mistook for a possible bomb.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 18 at 2015 12:09 PM

2015-09-18T12:09:24-04:00

A kid with a middle east background and of all the things he decides to build - a bomb clock. While I think the kid is smart and rather ingenious those around him set him up. The school and parents should have checked and crossed checked this project for departure.

Response by 1stSgt Jeff Blovat made Sep 18 at 2015 12:11 PM

2015-09-18T12:11:19-04:00

Is this a picture of his project clock?? If so, his intentions are quite clear. All I've heard is that the POTUS tweeted him very quickly and invited him to the whitehouse. Better than spending the day with the You Tube sensation, the female who takes baths with milk and cereal. Thus on the same day as Netanyahu was in Washington pleading for our help for Israel's very survival......

Response by SSG Washington George made Sep 18 at 2015 8:09 PM

2015-09-18T20:09:00-04:00

So how do we know this wasn't a dry run,eh?

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 12:28 AM

2015-09-19T00:28:53-04:00

If any student was to bring a fake gun to school, they would be in jail and the parents would be investigated by CPS. But a kid who's father is an attorney with no real loyalty to the US brings a device into a school that looks like a bomb... Nothing to see here folks, it's just the child of a father who was the defense attorney prosecuting a preacher who exercised his first amendment right of free speech when he burned a koran. This sounds like a payday stunt by a greedy man who ran for President of the Sudan, twice.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Sep 19 at 2015 12:36 AM

2015-09-19T00:36:39-04:00

Have you been following what his dad is doing. When the kid was asked questions by the police he was vague and would not answere. Like the woman who made up a story of discrimination that did not happen CAIR is playing this for all it is worth. Then Obama knocks it up a knotch by inviting him to the White House. Know his dad an CAIR have gotten access to the White House. By bullying the school and if they don't have the money for a prolonged fight. They will end up paying this kid off. And teachers will be second guessing themselves before they call the police again.

Response by PO3 Bob Walsh made Sep 19 at 2015 1:17 AM

2015-09-19T01:17:31-04:00

School Teachers and school personnel are understandably fearful of the unknown. The recent history of school violence, the rule If You See Something Say Something, leaves educators with a sense of danger. The Police that arrived may not have been trained in bomb detection. If this was a bomb, when was it set to explode? This is not the first child mistakenly accused and he won't be the last. I suspect they all survive the experience. Are you willing to bet your life and the lives of the students you are responsible for to make sure you are correct.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Sep 19 at 2015 11:30 AM

2015-09-19T11:30:04-04:00

Was not there so all of us are making a LOT of assumptions and there was something people once said about people who ass u me?
From what I have heard, much could have been avoided if Ahmed had simply answered the questions of the school administration and then law enforcement. IF you are simply making a clock, why would you not answer questions...I am unaware of any thing illegal with making a clock, but it is 2015? The more the story is reported, the more questions I have, not the less.
Of course, this is no where as dangerous as eating a pop tart into the shape of a gun and is deserving of getting a chance to meet the President.

Response by SPC Luis Mendez made Sep 19 at 2015 2:32 PM

2015-09-19T14:32:54-04:00

I didn't know there were "Engineering" teachers in that grade and for that age group!
For me it was reasonable precaution on the part of a clueless teacher who did not know. The overreaction was on the part of the Media. Or somebody with an Agenda, money and access to the Media was able to stir all the overreaction. Which of course, why not, reached the WH and POTUS who wasted no time for a PR operation or so, according to the same Media.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 19 at 2015 6:06 PM

2015-09-19T18:06:50-04:00

Was he doing a show and tell?

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2015 1:42 AM

2015-09-20T01:42:36-04:00

BLUF: For that past several years kids have been getting arrested for stupid stuff with no public outrage.

I can understand why the teacher was concerned; however, for your enjoyment, here are some examples of really outrages arrests/detaiments and none of these involve things that look like potential explosives. There is a butter knife and a knife to core an apple.

"The following are 19 (I listed 14) really crazy things that school children are being arrested for in America….

#1 At one public school down in Texas, a 12-year-old girl named Sarah Bustamantes was recently arrested for spraying herself with perfume.
#2 A 13-year-old student at a school in Albuquerque, New Mexico was recently arrested by police for burping in class.
#3 Another student down in Albuquerque was forced to strip down to his underwear while five adults watched because he had $200 in his pocket. The student was never formally charged with doing anything wrong.
#4 A security guard at one school in California broke the arm of a 16-year-old girl because she left some crumbs on the floor after cleaning up some cake that she had spilled.
#5 One teenage couple down in Houston poured milk on each other during a squabble while they were breaking up. Instead of being sent to see the principal, they were arrested and sent to court.
#6 In early 2010, a 12-year-old girl at a school in Forest Hills, New York was arrested by police and marched out of her school in handcuffs just because she doodled on her desk. “I love my friends Abby and Faith” was what she reportedly scribbled on her desk.
#7 A 6-year-old girl down in Florida was handcuffed and sent to a mental facility after throwing temper tantrums at her elementary school.
#8 One student down in Texas was reportedly arrested by police for throwing paper airplanes in class.
#9 A 17-year-old honor student in North Carolina named Ashley Smithwick accidentally took her father’s lunch with her to school. It contained a small paring knife which he would use to slice up apples. So what happened to this standout student when the school discovered this? The school suspended her for the rest of the year and the police charged her with a misdemeanor.
#10 In Allentown, Pennsylvania a 14-year-old girl was tasered in the groin area by a school security officer even though she had put up her hands in the air to surrender.
#11 Down in Florida, an 11-year-old student was arrested, thrown in jail and charged with a third-degree felony for bringing a plastic butter knife to school.
#12 Back in 2009, an 8-year-old boy in Massachusetts was sent home from school and was forced to undergo a psychological evaluation because he drew a picture of Jesus on the cross.
#13 A police officer in San Mateo, California blasted a 7-year-old special education student in the face with pepper spray because he would not quit climbing on the furniture.
#14 In America today, even 5-year-old children are treated brutally by police. The following is from a recent article that described what happened to one very young student in Stockton, California a while back…." and so on and so on...

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Sep 20 at 2015 10:13 AM

2015-09-20T10:13:32-04:00

I would always air on Reasonable precaution....This being said....why didn't the boy just answer the questions? Not responding to the questions being asked would make me suspicious too.

Yes, he eventually told the whole story....but had he been up front it may not have been so severe in his treatment and the reaction of the authorities.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2015 1:01 PM

2015-09-20T13:01:29-04:00

Here is my take on the whole debacle... If this kid is as smart and the genius that he is made out to be. How could he do something so stupid. In the world that we live in, with the people all uppity and sensitive about what happens in schools. And with people who are pretty much everything anti-muslim, why would he be so stupid to bring in something that looks like a bomb or could be considered to be the makings of a bomb, TO A SCHOOL? So, my answer, he knew exactly what he was doing. What better way to get the attention he needed for himself. Look at all of the sympathy this muslim has garnered from our American people for this incident. Now, on the other hand, I disagree with how the school handled it. Not having the parents and all that legal b.s. But I in no way consider the incident to be "unplanned". Even in the press conference afterwards with the other muslim chick behind him, you can see this look of "haha, we are using freedom of religion against these idiots". I believe he planned it and it worked just the way he wanted it to getting the results he wanted. IMO

Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made Sep 20 at 2015 1:34 PM

2015-09-20T13:34:10-04:00

I bet if his name was John Smith, he would never had been arrested nor be in the news.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 10:24 PM

2015-09-21T22:24:39-04:00

Truth is teachers and cops are dumb. The parents of the kid should have had a conversation about race and being Muslim in America. Don't bring weird things to class. Teacher's reaction wasn't reasonable, but I am not surprised. I don't understand why America puts teachers and cops on a pedestal. If you lower expectations, you get less outrage.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2015 3:45 PM

2015-09-24T15:45:27-04:00

Now that the smoke has cleared, more facts are emerging. Like, his sister got introuble 2 years ago for the same thing. Like how its nothing but a disasembled clock radio....like how his parents are acivists and will profit on this.... interesting.

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made Sep 25 at 2015 1:03 PM

2015-09-25T13:03:04-04:00

No problem there, what if it was a bomb, Obama would be blaming bush as usual.
Places like Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles have teenage killers by the hundreds. Indianapolis had many 16 and under robbing CVS and Walgreens at gun point this year

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2015 3:34 PM

2015-09-25T15:34:03-04:00

Let me get this straight:

1. Kid takes old clock and puts it into a pencil box. He does not build a clock, he simply moves components from one container to another.
2. Kid uses some wires to hold box shut in lieu of a lock for fear of what the box would look like with a lock on it.
3. Kid shows this clock to a teacher, who applauds him but warns him not to show the clock to any other teachers and that he should take it home immediately.
4. Kid not only dismisses this advice, but goes to the extent of plugging it in and setting off the alarm for it in another class.
5. Teacher sees clock and reports it.
6. Scenario escalates due to policies and procedures followed by both school and Law Enforcement.
7. Kid is praised as some sort of genius and given free rides all over the world.

Seems like a contrived stunt to me, personally. All the crazy conspiracy agendas aside, the kid knew better but did it anyway. On top of this, he didn't create anything, yet he is still taking credit for building a clock on further interviews. I think it will take some time for this to either pan out into a stupid kid and teachers/cops following procedures, or an elaborate stunt with other intentions and agendas. Either way, this isn't a kid who was victimized for being Muslim and talented, this was a kid who made a mistake and refused to correct it when the opportunity arose, and for what reasons remain to be seen.

For anyone here who refutes the claims that this looks like a bomb, I'll be happy to let you know you're absolutely wrong through firsthand knowledge.

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Sep 28 at 2015 5:42 PM

2015-09-28T17:42:09-04:00

When I was in high school, many moons ago, you could walk the parking lot and count at least 20 weapons hanging in gun racks during hunting season. We hunted before classes started. It never occurred to anyone to bring the weapon inside and shoot someone. That was then, and no matter how liberal or conservative you are, you wouldn't allow it today. Not because the weapons are more dangerous, but the students are. Leave a bag unattended in your local BX and see how folks react. Times have changed and how we react to things have as well. How different the world would have been for Ahmed Mohamed if it wasn't for a Muslim with a box cutter.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Oct 1 at 2015 12:41 PM

2015-10-01T12:41:28-04:00

I love how everyone is playing one race card or another here. In this day and age his parents should be smacked on the back of their heads for even thinking it would be ok to take his "clock" to school. Sure the only reason it made national news is because the media loves to portray everyone as evil so they can get better ratings and if he was a white or hispanic kid the story would have probably stayed in Texas. No matter what race he is taking something that resembles a bomb is a bad idea. If you look at the "clock" the case could be seen as a suitcase bomb from the pictures the news outlets were showing.

Response by MSgt Dwyane Watson made Oct 6 at 2015 9:37 PM

2015-10-06T21:37:11-04:00

I read that this was set up from the go, the alleged clock was bought from Radio Shack and the kid shopped the device around till he got a rise from someone...now the poor "victim" is seeing our king...oops...president....what ever.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2015 12:51 AM

2015-12-25T00:51:38-05:00

That looks like dynamite with a timer on it. Regardless of race that kid would have gotten lit up, at least in the school I came up in.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Dec 26 at 2015 1:07 PM

2015-12-26T13:07:50-05:00

And if it had been real? It was not that long ago that kids were suspended for playing cops and robbers, or chewing a sandwich into the shape of a pistol. If the kid was a Christian what would your response be? Now the little turd stands to make big bucks from a lawsuit, what the hell is wrong with all you people?

The same folks defending him would be crying about the lack of response and looking for signs if it had been real.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2015 6:40 PM

2015-12-26T18:40:43-05:00

I think the misleading photo needs to be removed and the actual photo of the clock should be returned allowing folks to make their own informed opinion.

Response by PV2 Scott Goodpasture made Dec 27 at 2015 7:44 PM

2015-12-27T19:44:04-05:00

Cool tri nitro toluene clock

Response by PV2 Scott Goodpasture made Dec 27 at 2015 7:51 PM

2015-12-27T19:51:05-05:00

if he's so gaddamned smart why did he bring a clock resembling a bomb to school? Just to get detained and cry discrimination and sue? Genius

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made Dec 27 at 2015 9:01 PM

2015-12-27T21:01:16-05:00

14 year old is old enough to know responsibility. I did not know his teacher had prior knowledge. If that was the case, the teacher should be fired. The kid suspended for being stupid. But, being he was BLACK, he was invited to the White House. Big time BS

Response by SrA Marlin Taylor made Dec 28 at 2015 8:31 AM

2015-12-28T08:31:13-05:00

it was a clock in a suitcase... looked like a bomb to me....... Do I blame the teacher and school for their reactions? hell no

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-12-28T10:00:20-05:00

definitely over reaction

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Dec 28 at 2015 12:53 PM

2015-12-28T12:53:29-05:00

Am I confusing this with another case or is this the kid whose family moved back to the middle east after filing a $10,000,000.00 lawsuit? If this is the kid, he wasn't so bright as stated. It was a kit clock with parts left off to make it look like something different. Kind of looks a little staged to me here in order to file a lawsuit. I will agree it wasn't handled correctly by law enforcement. I tend to lean towards safety over PC BS. Lets put it a different way. Had it been a bomb and the school had done nothing and 200 kids died in an explosion...what would be said about the school now??? People want safety for our kids including me, well sometimes that goes along with not being so PC

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Dec 28 at 2015 1:56 PM

2015-12-28T13:56:46-05:00

Your post failed to say even by the kids account the teacher told him NOT to show it to anyone else because it looked like a bomb but he did anyway.

Response by SSG Delanda Hunt made Dec 30 at 2015 1:10 PM

2015-12-30T13:10:27-05:00

The whole thing was a set-up by the boys father and it worked.

Response by SSG Bielomawicz Wilkes made Dec 31 at 2015 12:43 PM

2015-12-31T12:43:51-05:00

In America, common sense seems to have taken a backseat to political correctness. It's like saying just because you're riding down a road in Iraq and see a what looks like an IED emplacement, even though you are EOD you should not take the necessary precautions and just drive over it. One, his parents should have said no, it's not appropriate because of the things going on right now, maybe later. Two, if he is as intelligent as is presumed, he would have had some kind of inkling that this might get me in trouble. Three, what if it was a test run. How many test runs were ran on the WTCs before they got it right? Just saying, political correctness needs to be a passenger, not the driver of decisions being made in the car of this country.