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George Washington University hires Muslim convicted of soliciting jihad murder

Aug 30, 2016 3:39 pm By Robert Spencer

Seamus Hughes, deputy director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, says: “I trust him. We did our due diligence.” How did they do that? It may be that Jesse Morton is as reformed and repentant as the day is long, but when George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security has a “Program on Extremism” and not a “Program on Jihad,” how diligent could they be in vetting Morton for adherence to an ideology they don’t even admit exists?

What’s more, Morton was convicted of soliciting the jihad murder of “blasphemers.” Would George Washington University hire anyone of any other belief system if he had been convicted of soliciting the murder of those who offended against his belief system? This hire indicates how compromised the universities are: they are so anti-American and so far Left that jihadis are fashionable. Muslims are never a threat, even when they’re plotting violence and murder; they’re protected, privileged victims.

A reminder: “Leader of Revolution Muslim Pleads Guilty to Using Internet to Solicit Murder and Encourage Violent Extremism,” U.S. Attorney’s Office, February 9, 2012:

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Jesse Curtis Morton, aka Younus Abdullah Muhammed, 33, of New York City, pleaded guilty today to using his position as a leader of Revolution Muslim Organization’s Internet sites to conspire to solicit murder, make threatening communications, and use the Internet to place others in fear….

Morton faces a maximum penalty five years in prison for each of the three charges when he is sentenced on May 18, 2012.

That’s fifteen years, and he has served four, because he is “reformed.”

“Jesse Morton operated Revolution Muslim to radicalize those who saw and heard his materials online and to incite them to engage in violence against those they believed to be enemies of Islam,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “We may never know all of those who were inspired to engage in terrorism because of Revolution Muslim, but the string of recent terrorism cases with ties to Morton’s organization demonstrates the threat it posed to our national security. We’re grateful to the FBI, NYPD, and their law enforcement partners throughout the world who made today’s conviction possible.”

“Individuals such as Morton who encourage violence and create fear over the Internet are a danger to our society and to the freedoms we enjoy as citizens,” said Assistant Director in Charge McJunkin. “Today’s plea, and other recent cases of those associated with Morton’s organization, demonstrate the widespread nature of this danger. Together with our partner law enforcement agencies, and with the assistance of the community, the FBI will continue to pursue those who promulgate violent extremism and promote the radicalization of others.”…

According to a statement of facts filed with his plea agreement, Morton founded Revolution Muslim in December 2007 and created various online forums that contained postings and information supportive of violent extremism. Morton and his associates used the organization’s websites to encourage Muslims to engage in violence against those they believed to be enemies of Islam and to support Osama bin Laden, Anwar Al-Awlaki, al Qaeda, the Taliban, and others espousing violence. They posted messages in support of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the November 2009 killings at Ft. Hood and attacks and future threats against Jewish organizations, among others.

Through his online forums, Morton conspired with Zachary Chesser, of Fairfax County, Va., and others to solicit the murder of an artist tied to the “Everybody Draw Mohammed Day” movement in May 2010, including posting online a magazine that included the artist in a hit list for violent extremists to take out and a message from Anwar Al-Awlaki that explicitly called for the artist’s assassination. In justifying these actions, Morton posted online a speech of his asserting that “Islam’s position is that those that insult the Prophet may be killed” and exhorting his listeners to fight the “disbelievers near you.”

In addition, Morton admitted through his statement of facts that he aided Chesser in taking repeated steps in April 2010 to encourage violent extremists to attack the writers of South Park for an episode that featured Muhammad in a bear suit, including highlighting their residence and urging online readers to “pay them a visit.” Among the steps they took were posting on multiple occasions speeches by Anwar Al-Awlaki, which explained the Islamic justification for killing those who insult or defame Muhammad. Morton worked with Chesser to draft a message for the website regarding the South Park threats, including a quote from Osama bin Laden that “If there is no check in the freedom of your words, then let your hearts be open to the freedom of our actions.” Morton and Chesser posted the final version of this statement on various extremist online forums, and Chesser told Morton that he expected the statement would “scare the kuffar.” Kuffar is an Arabic term, referring to an unbeliever, or disbeliever, in Islam….

Now Morton is no longer in the business of trying to “scare the kuffar.” Instead, he is soothing the kuffar to sleep validating the kuffar’s fantasies about “deradicalization.” This absurd idea is based on the assumption that Islam is a Religion of Peace, and that jihad terrorists are misunderstanding and misinterpreting it. So all that needs to be done is teach them the true, peaceful Islam, and all will be well, right?

Well, let’s see. De-radicalization programs have been implemented elsewhere, notably in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Let’s look at how they fared. From the Jihad Watch archives:

11 ex-Gitmo prisoners flee the Saudi “rehabilitation program” and join up with terrorist groups

Jaw-dropper: 25 former Gitmo detainees “return to militancy” despite Saudi rehab program!

Graduate from Saudi jihadi rehab program killed in Syrian jihad: “killed a large number of Christians before his acceptance by God”

Flight 253 jihadist wasn’t cured by Saudi anti-jihad art therapy

Former Guantanamo detainee now top al-Qaeda ideologue — “He was transferred to Saudi Arabia in 2006 where he was placed in a national rehabilitation project.”

Indonesian government admits that its jihadist rehab program is a failure

Counterterror expert: “deradicalization” is “practically impossible”

Australia: Muslim teen arrested for jihad plot was in “deradicalization” program

‘Deradicalized’ Islamic State jihadists producing terror propaganda videos in Germany

But Jesse Morton has the magic key to “deradicalization” that no one else has been able to find? Color me skeptical.

Jesse Morton

“GW hires former Islamic extremist,” by Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, August 30, 2016:

George Washington University has hired a former Islamic extremist to work at its center on homeland security — a man who once denounced the United States and made threats against the creators of the TV series “South Park” for depicting the Prophet Muhammad in a bear suit.

While reformed extremists have worked at universities in Europe to help fight terrorism, this is believed to be a first in the United States.

Jesse Morton, who was known as Younus Abdullah Muhammad when he was a recruiter for the al-Qaeda, brings a “unique perspective” to counter-terrorism work, said Seamus Hughes, deputy director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security….

During his days as an extremist, Morton earned a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University.

Hughes said before making the hiring decision, he discussed Morton with the FBI, leaders in the security community and the lawyers that prosecuted Morton.

He said he’s sure Morton is completely reformed from the days he served time in federal prison after inciting people to join a terrorist organization.

“I trust him,” he said. “We did our due diligence.”

Nadia Oweidat, a fellow at the think tank New America who’s interviewed dozens of former extremists, said she doesn’t doubt Morton’s sincerity.

“People go through phases. They evolve and are finally able to see the light,” she said.

She doesn’t think Morton made up his de-radicalization to get a shorter prison sentence.

“When an extremist defects, they risk being completely targeted by their community — it’s like saying you’re gay publicly,” she said. “There are life-altering consequences and you don’t approach it lightly.”

She said other organizations should also recruit former extremists in the hopes of preventing future massacres such as the San Bernardino shooting or the November terror attack in Paris, both committed by radicalized Islamists.

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Filed Under: academia, Al-Qaeda, blasphemy, Featured, free speech, Useful idiots, willful ignorance Tagged With: George Washington University, Jesse Morton, Younus Abdullah Muhammad


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Comments

  1. Moses says

    Aug 30, 2016 at 3:43 pm

    The Liberal MADNESS NEVER STOPS!!!

  2. Lynne says

    Aug 30, 2016 at 3:59 pm

    You can’t reform a Muslim. Savagery is in his/her DNA. They are taught this from birth. A limited few may escape it.

    • gravenimage says

      Aug 31, 2016 at 3:25 pm

      It is not DNA–it is about adherence to a violent creed.

    • Christianblood says

      Aug 31, 2016 at 6:26 pm

      The important question is:

      Did he really, sincerely left islam or is he still a muslim? If he is still a muslim, he is playing the “taqqiyah” game and it would be very foolish to trust him.

  3. Vew3456 says

    Aug 30, 2016 at 4:01 pm

    The first thing that comes to mind is the Theme from MASH,you know Suicide is Painless. National suicide that is. As a grandfather I am terrified of the world I am going to leave my grandchildren.This isn’t even political correctness,this is the religion of the left at work, to my sadness it seems right at this point in time to be winning.

    • gravenimage says

      Aug 30, 2016 at 4:15 pm

      Just keep up the good fight as long as you can. Do not despair. More people *are* slowly waking up.

  4. Champ says

    Aug 30, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    Yesterday the PBS Newhour did a segment on this evil perp, and I was horrified to learn that he is (supposedly) a reformed mohammedan working *against* terrorism; and he said, “This is my way to give back for all the harm I’ve caused.”

    Congratulations George Washington University, you have just hired a deceitful Taqiyya Artist. Shame on YOU.

    • Champ says

      Aug 30, 2016 at 4:07 pm

      PBS Newshour, not “Newhour” …

  5. gravenimage says

    Aug 30, 2016 at 4:10 pm

    George Washington University hires Muslim convicted of soliciting jihad murder
    ……………………

    Fox, hen-house.

    • Peggy says

      Aug 31, 2016 at 5:04 pm

      Then when he kills people it will only be workplace violence.

  6. Northern Virginiastan says

    Aug 30, 2016 at 4:16 pm

    FYI The Muslim makeup of the student body at GWU is 10%, in other words, it’s exceeded critical mass.

  7. rubiconcrest says

    Aug 30, 2016 at 4:47 pm

    Is he an apostate? Does he believe in Sharia law? Has he taken a polygraph?

  8. Angemon says

    Aug 30, 2016 at 5:08 pm

    George Washington University has hired a former Islamic extremist to work at its center on homeland security — a man who once denounced the United States and made threats against the creators of the TV series “South Park” for depicting the Prophet Muhammad in a bear suit.

    Kudos to GWU for being ahead of the curve – the usual thing to do is hire a moderate who then turns out to be an “extremist”. Can’t wait to see which university outdoes GWU and hires a plain “extremist”.

    • Donovan Nuera says

      Aug 30, 2016 at 7:23 pm

      Did not Yale enroll the Taliban Spokesman a few years back? Sayed Rahmatullah Hashemi (who was a 27 year old froshie) in 2006 was recommended by a diplomat in residence at Yale and a reporter who knew him during his pre-911 lecture tours to the US in 2000-2001 but was not allowed to continue due to blowback from normal Americans that made the Falies back down (50% of the Yale undergrads thought it would be great to have him admitted!). He was here on a student visa for that stint. Has he gone back to Afghanistan? Has he overstayed his visa?? Has be been granted citizenship and attended a citizenship ceremony with Obama present and then handed at $2M Manhattan apartment via the Soros Fund for him, his multiple wives, and their brood of future jihadi babies??

    • gravenimage says

      Aug 31, 2016 at 3:27 pm

      Kudos to GWU for being ahead of the curve – the usual thing to do is hire a moderate who then turns out to be an “extremist”. Can’t wait to see which university outdoes GWU and hires a plain “extremist”.
      …………………….

      Grimly hilarious, Angemon.

  9. berserker says

    Aug 30, 2016 at 5:49 pm

    “I trust him. We did our due diligence.”
    – What is the accountability? Why should we take him at his word?
    – If an engineer designs a building and it collapses, we would send him to prison. Social engineers on the other hand, face no punishment.
    – Seamus Hughes should sign an agreement that would require him to relinquish his position and forego all accrued pension benefits should his hire revert to terrorism. Saying ‘trust me’ is not good enough.

    • kinley says

      Aug 31, 2016 at 7:41 am

      Ancient Rome required ALL persons involved in the design and construction of a bridge, viaduct or any age structure—engineers, artisans, workmen–to stand beneath the structure while the scaffolding was removed. This promoted honesty and good workmanship. These policies are needed today.

    • kinley says

      Aug 31, 2016 at 7:42 am

      Ancient Rome required ALL persons involved in the design and construction of a bridge, viaduct or any structure—engineers, artisans, workmen–to stand beneath the structure while the scaffolding was removed. This promoted honesty and good workmanship. These policies are needed today.

  10. R Cole says

    Aug 30, 2016 at 6:13 pm

    Sanitizing all our speech so his would be acceptable!!

  11. Mark A says

    Aug 30, 2016 at 7:07 pm

    Seamus Hughes says Jesse Morton brings “unique perspective” to counter-terrorism work,

    That’s certainly one way of describing someone who has been convicted of terrorism related offences.

  12. mick aitken says

    Aug 30, 2016 at 7:23 pm

    TAQIYYA

  13. Donovan Nuera says

    Aug 30, 2016 at 7:25 pm

    Then again, when conservative filmmakers ask “man on the street” questions to GW students, they usually cannot answer basic American history questions that 6 year-olds would be able to answer 50 years ago…so they have no idea why this hire might not be real smart…

  14. N F says

    Aug 30, 2016 at 11:01 pm

    Doesn’t this site promote ex muslims. Yes I am wary about but is not atoumaticly means he is still radical/mainstream muslim not every muslim is using TAQIYYA.

    • gravenimage says

      Aug 31, 2016 at 3:35 pm

      Younus Abdullah Muhammed is *not* an ex-Muslim. He is a ravening Jihadist who has allegedly “reformed”, and is now–insanely– been hired for security at one of our universities.

      He was soliciting Jihad murder *just four years ago*, just got out of prison–eleven years early–and is now endangering our young people.

      This is not embracing those who have (supposedly) rejected violent Jihad–this is suicidal naivité.

  15. pdxnag says

    Aug 30, 2016 at 11:14 pm

    Are you now an apostate, with a fatwa on your head?

  16. Nik says

    Aug 31, 2016 at 12:10 am

    As a Muslim he is allowed to lie to non Muslims ( Google teqqiya)

    • Champ says

      Aug 31, 2016 at 11:54 pm

      Yes, lying is allah and quran approved …imagine that!

      islam is *wholly* evil.

  17. DarkMath says

    Aug 31, 2016 at 12:51 am

    PBS has an interview with him here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1oD4zUpf6E

    It’s worth watching. The problem is Jesse Morton doesn’t look the interviewer straight in the eyes at crucial points when talking about his deradicalization. You’ll know what I mean when you watch it. The eyes are a window to the soul.

    I didn’t come away with the impression old Jesse’s “reformed”. These reformed radicals always remind me of a recovered heroin addict. Yeah the guy got sober but you go through that door and you’re never the same. You’re a pickle, you’ll never be a cucumber again. lol

    • John Stefan says

      Aug 31, 2016 at 4:48 pm

      It seems to me that a Muslim who is truly reformed and has seen the error of his ways, will forsake the Qur’an and the hadiths and the Sira and Muhammad and Islam and publicly declare his freedom from that great evil and then even preach against it, yes, even publicly to all of the students at the university and everywhere else. And then I would wait and see. And then I would pray that God would protect him from the devil and his followers who want to kill him.

  18. Eric Jones says

    Aug 31, 2016 at 1:26 am

    I also am skeptical. I believe that Morton is practising the art of takkiya; lying to promote islam. If he is genuinely sincere he can help law enforcement by working in less sensitive environments than a cyber security center.

    Eric

  19. Debi Brand says

    Aug 31, 2016 at 3:31 am

    “Now Morton is no longer in the business of trying to ‘scare the kuffar.’ Instead, he is soothing the kuffar to sleep validating the kuffar’s fantasies about ‘deradicalization.’”

    Indeed. Well stated, Robert.

  20. KnowThyEnemy says

    Aug 31, 2016 at 4:30 am

    “[Nadia Oweidat] said other organizations should also recruit former extremists in the hopes of preventing future massacres such as the San Bernardino shooting or the November terror attack in Paris, both committed by radicalized Islamists.”

    The government and academics tell us that right-wing extremism is an even bigger threat than Islamic jihad. I think the reformed right-wing extremists should take a clue and apply for jobs at GWU and other organizations. Nadia, CNN, and PBS wouldn’t have a problem with that, now would they?

  21. daniel sebold says

    Aug 31, 2016 at 5:25 am

    Must be a real charming guy at a time when it is so hard for veterans to find a job.

  22. Vicky says

    Aug 31, 2016 at 9:05 am

    Muslim’s do not have to violate a schools defenses to kill children, they’re already employees there. Just how stupid, how apathetic are we as a nation?

    • gravenimage says

      Aug 31, 2016 at 3:39 pm

      Yes–insanity. That he is now endangering *a school* is appalling.

  23. David says

    Aug 31, 2016 at 10:37 am

    The F.B.I. needs to begin an investigation of the TOTAL IMBECILES who would be so insane as to recruit, then hire someone who has already demonstrated the GRAVE DANGER he imposed on every living NON-MUSLIM!
    This is just too stupid and dangerous a thing to just look the other way, with a wink and a nod!

  24. Ric says

    Aug 31, 2016 at 1:41 pm

    One should not be shocked or awed by this news. After all, our universities, our education system in its entirety is rife with this perfidious ilk. George Washington University is a leader in hiring those loathing America, its once upon a time Judeo/Christian principles and, democracy. Unfortunately, this is the way of most of our educational system and its educators.

    Moreover, the pliable minds of the students are susceptible to indoctrination; simply put, brainwashed by these leftist malcontents, or radicalised, by the self-anointed elitists, the so-called intelligentsia, the faculty. If a student’s political bent were diverse from that of the professor, he or she definitely will fail.

    Intellectual integrity throughout our educational system, from lower-school, colleges, to the hallowed halls of universities, in the end, counts for nought.

  25. BestefarJohn says

    Aug 31, 2016 at 4:26 pm

    Hughes apparently does not understand the meaning of, “Taqiyya” – too bad because he is the subject of it big time! So sad that an intelligent man can be so taken in.

  26. yohananw says

    Sep 1, 2016 at 3:28 am

    https://cchs.gwu.edu/jesse-morton-0
    Link to GWU webpage of Morton at 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, the Center for Cyber and Homeland Security. The “reformed, former extremist” made “de-radicalization” and became Research Fellow at the Saudi funded university in DC. Really?

  27. Mirren10 says

    Sep 1, 2016 at 9:41 am

    ”Seamus Hughes, deputy director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security, says: “I trust him. We did our due diligence.”

    Well, Seamus, I *sincerely* hope he kills you first. Idiot.

  28. steve brown says

    Sep 1, 2016 at 5:20 pm

    We may have a revolution on our hands of Trump’s victory is stolen by the muslim brotherhood… But, if by a miracle, Trump takes the oath of office in January – 2017- this Jesse Morton situation will be ”Quickly” handled..

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