In all their discussions of jihad, no one seems to have mentioned the fact that is obvious to the FBI, the U.S. Government, and the mainstream media: that it is a completely benign interior spiritual struggle. How very odd that they all would have misunderstood it as having something to do with violence. “Boyd brothers testify in terror trial,” by Francine Sawyer for ENCToday.com, October 5:
Boyd brothers Zachary and Dylan Boyd testified as government witnesses Wednesday in the ongoing terrorism conspiracy case against three men on trial in federal court in New Bern.
The brothers testified against Hysen Sherifi, Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan and Ziyad Yagi “” all accused of conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism, not actually committing them. Sherifi, represented by New Bern lawyer Robert McAfee, faces additional charges of providing material support for terrorists and conspiracy to murder, kidnap, maim and injury.
Zachary and Dylan Boyd have both pleaded guilty to their part in the conspiracy. They have not been sentenced. Their father, Daniel Boyd, the “ringleader” of the group, pleaded guilty to terrorism charges and is facing life plus 15 years. He testified earlier against the three defendants. He said the government has not promised him a shorter prison sentence.
Zachary Boyd told the court that two defendants attended weapons practice in Caswell County. A man named J.D. offered the range to the men. It turns out that conversation on the range was taped and “J.D.” was a government agent. Yagi did not attend the training camp nor did he buy weapons.
Zachary Boyd said that his father became more radical after one of his sons died in a car accident near their home.
“He began to buy ammunition; some of it was 1,500 rounds in a single order,” Zachary Boyd said. He described meeting Sherifi at a Muslim store his father Daniel opened in Cary. He said there were conversations about violent jihad between Sherifi and his father. He told about a trip he took to Jordan with his family.
“My father talked about moving to Jordan so he would be nearer to the battle lines in the countries in the Middle East.
Now that would have been a fine idea, as long as he never came back.
Zachary Boyd said Sherifi came to the store and to the Boyd home to discuss jihad and to get ready for it both physically and mentally. Sherifi, a native of Kosovo, wanted to return to his native country and visit with his family, Zachary Boyd said.
Sherifi and Zachary Boyd communicated with each other while Sherifi was in Kosovo. Sherifi came back to the United States and attempted to raise money to move into the battlefields. Testimony indicated that Sherifi and Zachary Boyd watched suicide bombing videos.
When the family built a trench under their home to store weapons, Zachary Boyd said Sherifi was there during the digging.
McAfee cross-examined Zachary Boyd, asking him if Sherifi conducted jihad in Kosovo.
“Did he ever use explosives, or blow anything up?” McAfee asked.
Zachary Boyd said no. Hassan’s lawyer asked Zachary Boyd if there was ever a conversation about kidnapping, killing or maiming a person. Again, the answer was no. Hassan never tried to get money or personnel for jihad nor did he ever have a conversation about suicide bombing, according to Zachary Boyd.
Dylan Boyd also testified Wednesday afternoon. His wife traveled from the Raleigh area to see her husband on the stand.
He said that Sherifi seemed to enjoy the target practice on the firing range and was in on conversations about jihad, weapons and violence….