Friends say student charged for terrorist threat hinted suicide
By Brittany Shammas (Last updated: 10/27/09 11:33pm)Although officials have remained mum on a formerly enrolled MSU student’s arrest for making a terrorist threat or false report of terrorism, some close to him have disclosed details about the events leading up to his arrest, including his statements regarding the need to commit suicide to avoid hurting others.
Zachariah M. Aslam had spoken of killing himself by jumping off of the Chemistry Building with explosives, but meant to ensure he died, not to hurt other people, a source close to him said.
“He looked very calm, just like any normal day because he was about to go eat dinner or play some pool. But he was talking about just all these methods of suicide and that he just had to kill himself,” the source said. “He hinted … (that) he felt like he had to kill himself in order to prevent that future of hurting more people.”
Others argue Aslam, who was arrested Oct. 20 after police were informed of a man making threats, is a “nice guy” who could not be capable of hurting anyone, and the charges stem from a misunderstanding.
Aslam, a 17-year-old from South Rockwood, Mich., was arraigned Friday in East Lansing’s 54-B District Court before Judge Richard Ball and is being held in Ingham County Jail on a $150,000 bond. According to the criminal complaint against Aslam, he threatened terrorism and communicated that threat to another person.
MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor referred questions regarding the case to Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III and would not comment further on the case.
Although some doubted Aslam would harm anyone, Dunnings said making the statements was enough to be charged.
Dunnings would not comment on the facts of the case. Aslam is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 8.
The source said Aslam wasn’t a bad person, but was changed after a “horrible” experience living two years in Pakistan. He had hinted about hurting others in the past. Aslam always was serious and was good at hiding things, the source said.
Others who knew Aslam described him as a friendly, honest and “very intelligent” person who talked to his mother on the phone almost nightly to ask about her day.
He had gone through a rough experience in the days leading up to the arrest after a misunderstanding with another student, and was uncharacteristically upset because of it, friend and accounting freshman Andrew Steward said.
“He kept talking about every time something happens, he puts everything stored away in this box in the back of his head — that’s what he called it — and this just broke it open,” Steward said. “That’s what he told me and he just needed to set things straight because he was really upset.”
Steward said Aslam, who had a bright future and goals, never would hurt anyone. Another friend, hospitality business freshman Stephanie Ly, said Aslam had such an immense “brain capacity” that he would express himself in ways that could be misunderstood. Both said Aslam might have said something he didn’t mean.
“If he was a bad person, we’d know,” Ly said. “We’re all his friends. … He had a future, he had goals, he was determined, he was in crew, he was just a normal kid on campus.”
Originally Published: 10/26/09 11:46pm
Whatever
10/27/09 1:03amOh big deal. Your typical depressed teenage boy with a little too much testosterone and a little to little direction. If you think this kid had terrorist potential, you’re a damned moron. Get real.
They are talking about him like his life is over. Give the kid a chance, and show him that this world that has obviously treated him like crap is not as bad as he thinks it is.
Also be glad that after being picked on/misunderstood all his life (an assumption, but I suspect it is true), the only person he wants to hurt is himself. Why? Because all you worthless “pop-culture” types have actually convinced him that he is the defective one, when actually it is you.
Whatever
10/27/09 1:09amAlso, If this kid is actually charged with terrorism for his suicide with “explosives” threat, and it sticks, F this county, and F this country. That’s taking it too far. Get the kid some help, give him a chance. He sounds like an independent thinker, and that is hard to find nowadays amongst the plethora of lemming-like morons that flock on this campus each and every day.
Give him a chance to grow up. I want to know what kind of “explosives” he “wanted” to make, because any teenager who likes to pain their nails is in possession of the necessary ingredients to make a nice one – acetone peroxide. Shall we start arresting them as well?
What a joke.
Whatever
10/27/09 1:10ampaint*
Spartan
10/27/09 1:45amHaving nail polish does not make you dangerous, but seriously asserting that you want to jump off the Chem building with explosives does. Let’s be serious here. Do you think the individual who shot up all of those innocent people at Virginia Tech needed to be given an “opportunity to grow up” and should have been given another chance? Tell that to those families whose loved ones died.
While I’m not asserting that this young man had any sort of intention of doing the aforementioned by any means, I don’t think that “Whatever” (the above poster) can blow off this situation as if it is no big deal and merely something that happens everyday.
Steve
10/27/09 8:33amThe above comments are very similar to those made after the Va Tech massacre. No one took that kid’s comments seriously, either. It’s very hard not to over-react while still protecting the community. What if police/FBI had not charged this kid, and something even remotely similar to Va Tech occurred? The same writers would be berating the law enforcement authorities for being asleep. This kid’s comments go beyond the angst that is typical/expected for his age.
none
10/27/09 10:03amIf you’re dumb enough to make a threat like that and not expect to get in some sort of trouble in this day and age, you deserve everything you get. Once you start ignoring threats and making excuses for the perpetrator, its only a matter of time before a serious one slips through the cracks.
sparty
10/27/09 10:21amThank god it says formally enrolled student. I feel safer now. Wait the ELPD made an arrest other then an MIP or UIP? Great job boyz.
Whatever
10/27/09 10:46amSteve, and all the other people that feel “safer” now; The comments made by the VA tech murderer were much darker, and were not just about killing himself – That kid had ISSUES. He was diagnosed “Mentally Ill” long before the massacre, but noone did anything about it.
You freaks that are scared of a little kid talking about guns and “explosives” are the same freaks that are unable to think for yourselves – You can’t analyze this situation objectively and come up with a rational conclusion. Rather, you need someone to do it for you. I’ll bet you all voted for B.Hussein as well, as that is the caliber of college student who would have bought his “HOPE” propaganda.
You all make me sick.
tedman
10/27/09 12:22pmMy money is riding on this kid being a planted sleeper cell.
556NATO
10/27/09 12:54pmI’m with tedman. This guy probably has at least 50 machine guns, 100,000 rounds of ammunition, and piles of C-4 stockpiled in his dorm room.
Also, he is probably Osama Bin Laden’s nephew, and I’m sure he is in some way affiliated with the KKK and any/all other “hate” groups.
Also, he probably didn’t vote for Obama, which obviously means he is a racist and a jew hating nazi, and a terrorist and a hate monger and a pedophile and an abortion doctor murderer.
turk
10/27/09 1:06pmYou know, Ted Kaczynski was a pretty intelligent “free thinker” as well. It’s a good thing that nobody ever inhibited his genius..
turk
10/27/09 1:25pmAnd yes, I realize that was a long time go and things were different back then. I am just a troll so ignore me.
556NATO
10/27/09 1:28pmturk, you can’t compare a 17 year old kid to a psycho old man from the 70’s/80’s.
That’s just ignorance.
turk
10/27/09 1:33pmI’m not saying he’s going to start sending mail bombs, but it’s obvious that he needs help. “Whatever” seems to think that antisocial behavior and free thinking are interchangeable.
556NATO
10/27/09 1:40pmturk, I disagree. I think “whatever” is trying to say that calling someone a terrorist because they like guns and explosives (like many teenage boys do) is stupid.
It sounds like the kid wanted some attention, and he is definitely getting it.
I also agree with “whatever” that trying to compare this kids alleged behavior with that VA tech psycho is moronic.
John
10/27/09 2:53pmâHear the case before you decide it.” Sage words from the late Alfred P. Murrah, former Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. He is the same guy after whom an Oklahoma City Federal Building was named, then subsequently bombed by an American citizen/terrorist.
For those of you who claim to be intelligent, I strongly encourage you to consider his advice.
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A true friend
10/27/09 3:51pmI know Zack and he is a great kid.We would find him in the lounge and talk with him all night and everyone loved him. Its hurting my friends’ and my heart that this is happening to him and you people are bashing him like so. I know he wouldn’t try to hurt anyone but if he did say those things then yes he needs some counseling but if he’s put in jail then the his issues wont be addressed and he is only going to get worst. I just hope the Lord will protect and watch over him during these trying times.
wow
10/27/09 3:54pmi can’t believe this is even an argument…the kid wanted to jump off a building with explosives on and thought he might hurt people in the future. this is not your average troubled teenage boy. sure, get him some help, but also get him off of an enormous college campus…its not a good environment for him or the people around him.
Ted the Wolverine
10/27/09 4:07pmTed Kaczynski went to U of M, so I think we’re gonna be ok here.
Honestly, if these reports are accurate, they definitely merit a conversation with the student and law enforcement. Now I cannot help but think of the cocktail of stereotypes that are surrounding this case, but I am sure that something will be worked out in the end. Don’t be too quick to judge. I know this is difficult advice for many anonymous bloggers.
Dan
10/27/09 4:15pmI agree with John, wait for the facts. In any case, it sounds from the initial information that he needs more compassion and support rather than heartless accusative, and definitely RACIST intonations of terrorist accusations. Release him from jail now, and Ingham County should have to pay for his counseling before the kangaroo court convenes.
This story should highlight just how out of hand our “terrorism” laws have become, how they are now targeting non-violent, young college freshman victims of their own depression.
Dan
10/27/09 4:44pmIs this Change we Can Believe In B.H. Obama? Using FBI resources and our federal tax dollars to go on a witch hunt for a depressed teenager who dreamed of only ending his own life?
I’d like a refund for the joke of an investigation the FBI most definitely pulled up on his “internet” readings and postings.
Yep
10/27/09 4:51pmI agree completely with Dan.
If you don’t think your privacy is being violated, get on facebook chat with a friend. Send “trigger” words back and forth – “bomb, embassy, allah, jihad, osama bin laden, nuclear, attack, assasination, president, etc” – After a few minutes of this, your facebook will suddenly shut down and won’t let you log in for a while – It will tell you that the account is “under investigation”. Everything you do online, on your cell phone, or on any other electronic network-enabled device is logged.
There is no privacy.
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Ha!
10/27/09 5:13pmA story about a depressed kid who may or may not have made a terrorist threat has devolved into people blaming Obama for this.
People can find a way to make anything about a politician they disagree with. I’m sure if this had happened in 2005 Bush would be getting the blame.
J. Ed. Trem.
10/27/09 5:57pmPut him behind bars. Or better yet, put him in Gitmo for life.
Mike
10/27/09 6:13pmYep,
You are a complete dumbass. If you honestly think your Facebook will be shut down for “trigger” words then you are retarded.
Yep.
10/27/09 8:03pmMike,
I was speaking with a friend in albania on facebook about 4 days ago, and it happened to ME. We were joking about how bin laden was supposedly hiding in albania, etc. Also talking about how my friend was going to get back before their VISA expired, and if they would have to go the embassy. We then started talking about the turmoil in the middle east and the assassination of bhutto and that’s when it happened – My facebook and my friends was down for about an hour.
It’s the truth, try it if you don’t believe me. Moron.
QUESTION FOR DAN:
10/27/09 8:24pmHow is your political career going? Are you in the campaigning process?
Dan J.
10/27/09 9:34pmI’m flat broke, I need to update my user page. I can’t afford campaigning without a full-time job, all I can find is a part-time right now. My district, which is mostly Montcalm County in West Michigan has 19% unemployment, the competition for even very basic jobs is inhumanly fierce. The problem precipitated with tool and die shops losing business from the diminishing domestic auto industry, and Electrolux moved their factory from Greenville, MI to some place in Mexico.
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Troll alert
10/27/09 10:01pmUnbelievable how many trolls lurk the State News message boards lately.
The kid may have been plotting to do something extreme, or he may have just said stupid stuff while in an emotional state. It is the purpose of our legal system to figure this out, and his arrest was made to protect the public from him in case it does turn out to be a legitimate threat.
People like “Whatever” are just looking to flame at any opportunity by turning a completely non-political subject into “ZOMG BARACK OBAMA IS A FACIST AND HE WANTS TO TAKE OUR GUNS!!!”
Go find a new hobby, you’re not shaping anyone’s opinion with troglodyte tactics like those.
Troll alert
10/27/09 11:34pmI redact my previous statement. I am nothing more than a troll myself, who am I kidding.
Heh
Troll alert
10/28/09 1:07amNice try. When in doubt, impersonate?
John
10/28/09 6:19amDear Dan,
Are you seriously blaming Obama for this? Clearly, this would not have happened during the Bush administration, right? PLEASE tell me that you’re joking? If you actually
Ted the Wolverine has this exactly right. When people make claims that raise concerns, they should be investigated. In light of past events, and since none of us have a crystal ball, investigating his claims (and holding him while doing so) seems more than reasonable.
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John
10/28/09 9:06amI take all that back. I am pretty much an Obama-loving bush hater who knows nothing more than the word “HOPE”, and any rhetoric that I have managed to memorize off my various liberal podcasts.
Also, I eat babies.
Dan
10/28/09 10:54amCome on now, let’s be civil. John asked a fair question. Unfortunately, he didn’t expand my comment indicating that the American people have been betrayed by both major parties (think about it, John D. Rockefeller IV is a national Democrat, you honestly think the wealthiest family in history cares about the average citizen?)
Obama is like the CEO of a major company.
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Sparty
10/28/09 11:05amWhat the hell is wrong with this university that its first response to a student who threatens suicide is to have that student arrested…nice Lou Anna, great approach, stellar leadership
re:DAN
10/28/09 3:17pm“you honestly think the wealthiest family in history cares about the average citizen?”
-I certainly wouldn’t reject the idea that they may care about the avereage citizen simply on grounds of their wealth. In reality, I would imagine that there is a varying degree of “care” for the average citizen throughout the family, and not one standard that they all adhere to.
“Obama is like the CEO of a major company.”
-That statement is ill-advised.
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Joe
10/28/09 11:18pmSeriously Dan, this article cites people who he told legitimate threats to. The man threatened to blow himself up while jumping off a building. Don’t you think that might constitute danger for anyone in or around that building when he does it regardless of his intentions to not hurt anyone?
J. Edward Tremlett
11/01/09 2:40pm“Nice try. When in doubt, impersonate?”
Tell me about it. I see some troll jackass is still pretending to be me. I wish they’d create user accounts for this forum… but then someone would just beat me to the nick and go to town :)
Anyway, I feel for the kid, but we have to remember that at no time has speech never had consequences. If you say the wrong thing to the wrong person, and it gets reported to the wrong people, you will get someone to come by with a telescope to shove up your ass and look for incriminating evidence.
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really, bringing obama into this?
11/01/09 9:23pmYup,
This is exactly Obama’s fault. I mean Obama is an omnipresent liberal god like creature that is pulling the strings of every single decision, made at every single level, in every single way. Granted it was Bush who actually created this whole little charge everyone (and their mother) with terrorism culture, but that was in fact Obama. You see, Obama is in fact Dick Cheney in a costume.
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Darko
11/02/09 3:00pmI love the people that act like Obama has nothing to do with this. These people say how crazy it is to blame the President for this story.
Yet… these are the SAME PEOPLE that blamed Bush for 9/11 AND a variety of isolated, random incidents.
Hell, the poster above did JUST THAT.
Of course it’s not Obama’s fault. But Bush was not responsible for EVERYTHING that went wrong during his time in office.
Liberals are awful.