Terror Suspect Not Really A "Terrorist"

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.wbbm780.com/Terror-suspect-arrested-at-O-Hare--police/5508595

Posted: Friday, 23 October 2009 1:42PM

CHICAGO (STNG) -- Authorities in Minnesota are declining to extradite a man arrested at O’Hare International Airport on Thursday on a Minnesota warrant for allegedly making terror threats, officials said.

Ismail Alqawasmi, 36, of Richfield, Minn., who has been in Chicago Police custody since his arrest at O'Hare at 8 p.m. Thursday, will be released after Wright County, Minn., Sheriff's police said they will not drive to Chicago to extradite him, according to Cook County State's Attorney's office spokesman Andy Conklin.

Alqawasmi flew into the United States from Amman, Jordan, on Royal Jordanian airlines and a customs official conducting a name check found an active warrant from Wright County in Buffalo, Minn, for “terroristic threats,” according to police.

The alleged threats did not entail a "big plot or conspiracy," according to Wright County Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Steffer.

Alqawasmi was charged with felony terroristic threats and misdemeanor assault after a Jan. 18, 2008, incident in which he allegedly threatened a male acquaintance, Steffer said.

[vadawg]

1. technically you could say as he made terroristic threats he is a domestic terrorist

at least to the person he made the threats against... wonder why they wouldnt extradite him... financial probuably...

[rucky]

2. Part of the problem is that we don't have a common definition of the word.

Which leaves plenty of room for abuse. I'm pretty sure some stakeholders in the international community don't want a clear definition, for that very reason.