Memphis man out on $100 bail after threatening jihad in Memphis; Update: $50,000 bail now
posted at 11:36 am on December 28, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Let’s play a little game of You’re The Judge. Police arrest a man who has told seven Memphis businesses that he would “blow [them] to pieces” if they didn’t close. When police pulled him over, they discover three cassettes with Islamic instruction on them, and discover that the suspect, Mohamed Ibrahim, has been telling people that he wants to conduct jihad in Memphis. When they arrest him, he kicks out the window of the police cruiser and has to be subdued with pepper spray.
Ibrahim is charged with commission of an act of terrorism, filing false reports, and disorderly conduct. Would you release him on $100 bond?
Tonight, Mohamed Ibrahim is out after posting $100 bond. Earlier in the day, he was arrested after police say he walked into several Memphis businesses and threatened to blow them up.
Court records show Ibrahim was also telling people he was Muslim, and wanted to start a jihad, or holy war, in Memphis.
Police say when they arrested him, he had a butcher knife hidden in one of his jacket sleeves.
Why wasn’t he charged with carrying a concealed weapon? As I recall, any blade over a few inches becomes illegal to conceal. Unless this is the world’s smallest “butcher knife,” a CCW charge should have been added to the list. For that matter, where’s the resisting arrest charge? Damage to public property?
If anything, I’d be inclined to have him held for psychiatric observation to make sure he wasn’t a danger to anyone, including himself. But even apart from that, seven businesses now have to hire security that they probably can’t afford in case Ibrahim isn’t impressed enough with the American legal system to suspend his jihad. The police certainly did their part, but they can’t just station themselves at all of these businesses for the foreseeable future. The alleged extortion may work just out of fear — which is exactly what terrorists intend.
Ibrahim’s actions should have raised a number of red flags to a judge, who had a wide range of options at his or her disposal. A $100 bond isn’t even a traffic ticket. (via Buy Danish)
Update: Either the original reporting was incorrect or the bail got increased in Ibrahim’s court appearance this morning. According to Shelby County courthouse website, the bail is now at $50,000 (case number 09148795). He has a court date of January 11th. Thanks to Robert A for the information.
Update II: I’ve left a message with the county DA’s office to clarify whether the two press reports were wrong, or whether the judge changed the bail today at the arraignment. I’m guessing that it’s the latter, but will update the post when I find out.
Blowback
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At least they didn’t let Chris Rock out on personal recognizance.
singer on December 28, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Carrying a knife? Don’t necessarily mind that much
Carrying a knife while making threats to businesses? Big Problem
Carrying a knife while making threats along with jihadi material? BIG FREAKIN RED FLAG PROBLEM
While there are also concealed carry permits (and I don’t know the state of Tennessee law in that), there are none for a knife. That permit that concept only works for handguns. Carrying a weapon you aren’t allowed to carry (and a butcher knife as Ed points out is far too big to be considered a standard defense weapon) is a crime. This isn’t a matter of the bureaucracy sniffing around for things, this is about following the law that makes common sense.
But you don’t get it, whatever.
Defector01 on December 28, 2009 at 12:38 PM
mmm mmm mmm
Barack Hussein Obama
chicagotrauma on December 28, 2009 at 12:39 PM
The resemblance is uncanny. Methinks a cousin from Kenya. Now somewhere in Kenya, a village is missing TWO idiots.
adamsmith on December 28, 2009 at 12:40 PM
He is not released. FBI looking into case. Here’s the Shelby Court update:
General Sessions and Criminal Court Case Information :
Enter case booking number 09148795 and charge group 01:
Currently Ibrahim Mohamed is in Jail On Booking # 09148795
Division 09 Session 9:00 a.m.
Court Date 01/11/2010
Sequence #001 Commission Act of Terrorism/Class F A / not disposed
Sequence #002 False Offense Report/ Class F D / not disposed
Sequence #003 Disorderly Conduct / Class M C / not disposed
heroyalwhyness on December 28, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Ed, why didn’t you print the judge’s name?
In NYC judge Bruce Wright was re-elected term after term until the tabloids began reporting on him. He was “Turn-em loose Bruce” who released on their own recognizance persons who were arrested for committing crimes while released on bail–or on their own recognizance.
Sunlight–or in this case, a spotlight–holds public officials to scrutiny, and keeps them honest. Or at least responsible.
njcommuter on December 28, 2009 at 12:50 PM
Be nice you can’t profile. I’d have thrown his ass in jail and forgotten where I put the key! I guess its up to the businesses to file charges against the little punk!
Eyvonne on December 28, 2009 at 12:59 PM
Close but I think its more likely he’s part of those Radical Christians that are far more dangerous then fascist Islamic jihadists!
Liberty or Death on December 28, 2009 at 1:02 PM
The more I think about this $100, the more astonished I am. The cop car door window is probably $200 all by itself. The judge is obviously insane.
Jaibones on December 28, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Wow. If I were on the JIHAD…I would be feeling pretty fantastic right now about my chances to TAKE DOWN AMERICA.
WTF is going on?
bridgetown on December 28, 2009 at 1:06 PM
American Power tracked-back with, ‘Leftists Cheer Knife-Wielding Islamist Who Threatened to Blow Up Memphis Businesses’.
Donald Douglas on December 28, 2009 at 1:22 PM
Bond is set at $50,000.00. Next court date 1/11/10 is for an attorney to be chosen for him.
Jeff2161 on December 28, 2009 at 1:28 PM
He hasn’t been released. Bond is set at $50,000, not $100. His court date is 1/11/09. This is easily confirmed through the court’s website:
http://jssi.shelbycountytn.gov/
Booking # 09148795 Charge Group 01 RNI # 404741 Sex M Race B DOB 06/01/1974
Name
IBRAHIM MOHAMED EISSA ISHA
Address
210 WEST REDOAK DR. 3 , MEMPHIS TN 381120000
Arresting Agency MP Officer MPD TRANSFER OFFICER Arrest Date/Time 12/25/2009 00:00
Releasable N In Jail On Booking # 09148795 Active Bench Warrant
Warrant # Issue Date Status Status Date Assigned Court GS
Division 09 Session 9:00 a.m. Court Date 01/11/2010 For ATTORNEY Total Resets 02
Case Disposed N Bond Code Bond Set 50000.00 Bond Paid .00
blueguitarbob on December 28, 2009 at 1:30 PM
Great reporting. I know it’s been said before, but the world has gone mad.
This sounds like a job for Scott Fenstermaker.
Buy Danish on December 28, 2009 at 1:33 PM
The guy looks like a pissed off Chris Rock.
TrickyDick on December 28, 2009 at 1:33 PM
In fact, Ibrahim has been charged with a Class A Felony, Commission of an Act of Terrorism. I don’t think the court system is going to release this guy anytime soon:
001 COMMISSION ACT OF TERRORISM F A NOT DISPOSED .00
002 FALSE OFFENSE REPORT F D NOT DISPOSED .00
003 DISORDERLY CONDUCT M C NOT DISPOSED .00
blueguitarbob on December 28, 2009 at 1:36 PM
Something missing in this story.
Normally a knife with a blade over 3 1/2 inches is considered a lethal weapon.
Kicking out the window of a police car will get you any of a whole variety of charges.
Threatening violence is another charge and trying to get money for not doing violence is extortion.
I think the state court just wanted to pass the whole thing on to a federal court. I’ll bet he’s riding to a federal court right now.
If you want to get attention from the authorities at home just say “I smell gas.” If you want to get criminal justice attention these days simply whisper “jihad.”
No sober judge is going to miss this chance to be a hero. Is this a state where they elect judges.
No, something missing in the report.
Limpet6 on December 28, 2009 at 1:49 PM
When is the check for 50K from Soros going to arrive at the courthouse?
ted c on December 28, 2009 at 1:50 PM
If and when Bail is made, I’d track where the money came from…but that’s just me.
PappaMac on December 28, 2009 at 2:03 PM
So with 5,000 to a bondsman, he can get out. Not much of an improvement over $100, if you ask me. NO BAIL.
dogsoldier on December 28, 2009 at 2:15 PM
There are two bookings for him – one from 12/23 and one from 12/25 (probably more charges added on the 25th). The first booking lists $100 bail. The other has $50000 bail and says not releasable. Apparently some wannabe-journalist looked at the first booking and stopped reading. He’s not going anywhere.
Ronnie on December 28, 2009 at 2:34 PM
The guy’s name alone should be grounds for no bail. Will we now hear stories about how he grew up poor with 1 parent living on the streets?
Kissmygrits on December 28, 2009 at 2:54 PM
NO BAIL!
FeFe on December 28, 2009 at 3:05 PM
NO BAIL! Have they not learned anything from Little Rock? The woman who threatened Michelle Obama was held without bail. Are the American people less equal?
FeFe on December 28, 2009 at 3:17 PM
Yes, keeping somebody in jail because of their name alone, not at all fascist, totalitarian, or bigoted. Perfectly acceptable in a limited government, free society. Jeez.
Narutoboy on December 28, 2009 at 3:19 PM
This is the”SAVE THE JIHADI’S” program of Janet Incompetano’s D.H.S.
Cybergeezer on December 28, 2009 at 4:05 PM
nah. No hatred in that look. gawd
johnnyU on December 28, 2009 at 4:30 PM
He cannot be denied bail.
The Tennessee constitution only allows the denial of bail for capital offenses (article 1, section 15). Ibrahim’s most serious charge is Commission of an Act of Terrorism (TN 39-13-805), which is a class A felony. Class A felonies are punishable by 15-60 years in prison and not more than a $50,000 fine.
Also, the bail amount is set by Tennessee law. Since he was charged with a non-homicide felony, the maximum bail amount is $50,000. See TN 40-11-105(b)(2):
TN Code Criminal Procedure
Title 40, Chapter 11
40-11-105. Right to bail — Bail by clerk — Maximum amounts.
. . .
(b) In no event may a clerk set the amount of bail in excess of:
(1) One thousand dollars ($1,000) if the defendant is charged with a misdemeanor;
(2) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) if the defendant is charged with a felony that does not involve a crime committed against a person;
(3) Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) if the defendant is charged with a felony that involves a crime committed against a person; or
(4) One hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) if the defendant is charged with some form of homicide.
blueguitarbob on December 28, 2009 at 4:43 PM
As @Ronnie mentioned, the confusion is caused by two separate booking numbers in the Shelby Co court database.
Mohamed Ibrahim (DOB 6/1/1974) was arrested on 12/23 for a class C misdemeanor, unlawful possession of a weapon (the knife). That’s booking number 09148733. He posted the $100 bond for that booking.
He was then arrested on 12/25 for two felonies (commission of an act of terrorism and reporting a false offense) and a disorderly conduct misdemeanor. That’s booking number 09148795. Bail was set at $50,000 and has not been paid yet.
It is unclear if he was free from jail between the two arrests. He posted the $100 bond for the arrest on 12/23, so it is possible he was on the street for 1-2 days until his arrest on 12/25.
http://jssi.shelbycountytn.gov/
RNI # 404741 DOB 06/01/1974 Sex M Race B
Name
IBRAHIM MOHAMED
Jail Booking # Indictment # Booking # & Charge Group Arrest/Indictment Date Reason for Arrest/Citation Court Type Court Date Division Releasable?
09148733 09148733 01 12/23/09 PC GS 01/11/10 09 Y
09148795 09148795 01 12/25/09 PC GS 01/11/10 09 N
blueguitarbob on December 28, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Putting aside constitutional issues over CCW, there’s a difference between bearing arms, which basically means to carry, and brandishing a weapon.
Even where open carry is legal, you still gotta keep it in the holster unless you have a legal reason to brandish, eg. self defense.
rokemronnie on December 28, 2009 at 6:01 PM
We know that threatening businesses with Jihad is not a crime, Our Government has been doing that for several years now and look at the Health Care bill.
The guy is obviously in the Government.
WoosterOh on December 28, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Dude, in Memphis?
This guy should thank his lucky stars he’s not out on shotgun blast and sucking chest wound. Was he threatening girl scout offices and old ladies’ bridge clubs?
Tanya on December 28, 2009 at 8:05 PM
You don’t get it do you. You’re still think like some liberal.
Its not the gadget, its the person. It’s not what’s on their mind, its what they do.
As soon as you decide that this gadget is “good” and that gadget is “bad”, you give the bureaucrats the power to control people because of things, not deeds.
You think a big knife is scary. A real killer, can kill you with a paper clip, forget the big knife. Big knife, little knife, it’s not the knife that’s the problem.
Its not what people say. Free speech, remember. The reason “shouting fire in a crowded theatre” fails, is because it becomes a trigger to action which kills people.
“Inciting to riot” is a really “iffy” thing.
Thinking evil thoughts requires some sort of way to inspect thoughts and act on the results of that inspection.
Prosecuting, or shooting people because of their actions is easy. It’s clear. If you try to stab someone with that butcher knife, then they have an absolute right to defend themselves and kill you.
But if you are pushing for someone to “protect” you candy ass, then you have a problem. You’ve now ceded your ability to take action to your “protector”. You are now dependent on that “protector” to actually do what you expect. And you have to give up your freedom to let him work.
There is no question that this guy is a bad guy, but the logic of your and Ed’s justification sucks. It can be turned against you, me and everyone else.
That, I’m afraid, is very very poor form.
CrazyGene on December 28, 2009 at 8:33 PM
Yeah, smart guy, what’s the difference.
All I’ve got to do is tell the cops that you brandished that legally carried gun. (The constitutional right that you had to go down and get a permit, pay a fee, have your finger prints taken and take a test to exercise.)
When you whine to your unionized “protector” about “brandishing” or whatever, you’ve just destroyed your freedoms.
Some dirtbag isn’t going to “brandish” a firearm at you if they have the remote idea that you are going to shoot them as soon as they start.
Some parlor pink is going to wet his pants as soon as he sees that concealed weapon print against your shirt, and he/she/it will be totally convinced that you are “threatening” them.
In either case, you are now dependent on the good behavior of some union slug with a badge to “do the right thing”.
If you live in a “blue” state, county or town, that is a really bad bet. The same cop who won’t be there when you need them, will be more than happy to show the whining party how effective he is at protecting them from your rights.
CrazyGene on December 28, 2009 at 8:41 PM
BTW: California used to be an “open carry” state. One day a bunch of black guys with political gripes showed up at the state capital with shotguns. After cleaning themselves the legislature asked why the evil blacks weren’t arrested. The cops pointed out that they hadn’t violated the law.
Immediately there was a new law making it a misdemeanor to carry a loaded gun in public. The law was instantly signed by the “conservative” Republican governor.
A cookie for anyone who can name this paragon of American virtue.
CrazyGene on December 28, 2009 at 8:46 PM
Imagine if he had been carrying a Bible and threatening to blow up abortion clinics.
JellyToast on December 29, 2009 at 12:20 AM
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