North Texas terror suspect to go on trial at end of April (fox4news.com)
Article published on fox4news.com on Apr 15 2019 06:07PM CDT
A Richardson man accused of using social media to promote terrorist attacks is set to go on trial at the end of this month.
A judge on Monday denied Said Rahim attorney’s request to suppress statements he made to FBI agents.
According to court records, Rahim told another ISIS sympathizer: “Kill and do not consult anyone or seek the opinion of others….do not show them mercy or compassion for neither the civilian clothes protect them nor the military uniform.” He added, “Think of a way to kill the biggest number possible.”
Rahim also praised the 2016 terror attack in Nice, France, where a truck plowed through crowds killing 80 people. Two weeks before a gunman opened fire in a nightclub in Turkey, the government says Rahim called for “brothers” in Turkey to act as lone wolves.
Rahim arrived at DFW Airport on March 5, 2017 to board a plane for Jordan and went through security. He was intercepted by a special agent with the FBI and agreed to a voluntary interview.
“FBI knew he wasn’t going to be able to get on an airplane but he believed the whole time he could,” said defense attorney James Whalen.
During the interview, Rahim denied promoting or praising terrorism. He also denied encouraging anyone to kill infidels without consultation. In all, six denials that wound up getting him charged with six counts of false statements.
“Those statements should have been repressed,” Whalen said.
Whalen tried to convince the judge that the FBI wasn’t forthright with his client, so Rahim’s statements should not be used as evidence.
Prosecutors declined to speak with the media about the case, but the judge ruled in their favor — agreeing that the FBI conducted the interview properly and that they didn’t have to reveal that Rahim was never going to be able to board his flight.
If found guilty, Rahim could face many years in prison depending on if the judge requires a sentence to be served consecutively for each of the counts. In addition to false statements he is charged with conspiring to and attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization.
Rahim’s jury trial is set to start April 29.
Article originally published on fox4news.com on Apr 15 2019 06:07PM CDT
Author Bio
James P. Whalen
James P. Whalen is the managing attorney and founder of Whalen Law Office, a Texas criminal defense firm offering personalized legal representation for various federal criminal charges. With a commitment to providing comfort and guidance during challenging times, Mr. Whalen serves as both an attorney and counselor to his clients, helping them navigate their cases while striving to restore normalcy to their lives.
In an inherently unbalanced criminal justice system, Mr. Whalen takes on cases with unwavering dedication. With decades of legal experience, he offers representation across various criminal charges, including white-collar crimes, violent crimes, drug charges, and more. Mr. Whalen’s numerous accolades, including Super Lawyer recognition and board certification in Criminal Appellate Law and Criminal Law, reflect his unwavering commitment to ethical and high-quality legal representation.
