Breaking...Man Of Middle-Eastern Descent Arrested For Planning Terrorist Act In Illinois

This one hits fairly close to home:

A 22-year-old Rockford man with an ambition to become a terrorist has been arrested by federal authorities on allegations that he planned to set off grenades in garbage cans in a mall in Rockford.

Shareef allegedly planned to set off the grenades at the CherryVale Shopping Mall, near Interstate 90 and Interstate 39 on Rockford's east side. The mall has about 130 retail stores and is owned byy a Tennessee-based company, authorities said.

Now, if this had happened in France, Shareef would undoubtedly be referred to as a "youth" by the French media.  I'm glad to see that the FBI was all over this situation using undercover agents.  The question remains, how many more Shareefs are out there?

One final thought.  I find it interesting that the local CBS News affiliate fails to use the words "middle east"or "Muslim."  The only way to conclude that Shareef is of Middle Eastern descent is by reading his last name.  If his name hadn't been included, one could reasonably conclude that the terror plot could have been planned by just about anyone.  The story does make sure to let us know that Shareef is a U.S. citizen, though!  Maybe the reporter did get his journalism degree in France afterall.  

Hat Tip:  Drudge 

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