Huntsville, AL (WHNT) — Things are starting to look up for a 14-year-old student arrested earlier this week in Texas. Ahmed Mohamed is the teen who was arrested after bringing a digital clock he made to school.
Monday, the teen’s day ended not with praise, but punishment, after the school called police and he was arrested. A photo shows Ahmed, wearing a NASA t-shirt, looking confused and upset as he’s being led out of school in handcuffs.
“They arrested me and they told me that I committed the crime of a hoax bomb, a fake bomb,” the freshman later explained to WFAA after authorities released him.
Outrage and support have spread on social media for Ahmed through the hashtag #IStandWithAhmed. His story gained the attention of President Barack Obama, who posted a supportive Tweet on Wednesday.
Additionally, Ahmed may be making a trip to north Alabama. Space Camp posted a Tweet saying someone has provided a scholarship for the teen, who was wearing a NASA shirt when he was arrested. Space Camp is in Huntsville, Alabama.
Police say the follow-up investigation revealed the device apparently was a homemade experiment, and there is no evidence to support the perception the teen intended to create alarm. No charges will be filed and the case is considered closed.
“Obviously, we will review this as we do high profile incidents of any nature, but it evolved as it did as a matter of safety and an abundance of caution. The Irving Police Department has always experienced an outstanding relationship with the Muslim community. We recognize situations like this present challenges, but we are committed to continuing to build a positive relationship,” police said.
Irving’s police chief plans to meet with the student’s father to answer his questions and to help him understand more about how this process evolved.
