Indeed, the friends and neighbors of Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez in Chattanooga describe him as being a nice guy, a typical college student and certainly not on any terrorist watch list. Nevertheless, he went on a rampage and killed four Marines and there is ever reason to believe now that he was connected with terrorist networks, possibly ISIS. And, the FBI has not been reluctant to say in recent days that, not only are there terrorist cells throughout the country, but "lone wolves" are being radicalized and flying under the radar.
So, how does this affect your relationship with that Muslim next door?
This is how I see it: The vast majority of terrorist acts involving passenger planes has involved Muslims. Therefore, it is stupid to exclude them from surveillance or to arbitrarily dismiss them as being suspect when they fly and to hone in on the little old grandmother with her knitting. What I am saying is, right now the vast majority of terrorist activity in this country involves Muslims; therefore, it would be stupid to arbitrarily say that your neighbor or convenience store operator is above and beyond suspicion.
Even if they are genuinely nice and straight people, they can be radicalized at any time.
I think the answer is to be more observing. Is the guy suddenly growing a beard? Is he suddenly taking trips abroad to the Middle East. Is he suddenly holding middle-of-the-night clandestine meetings in his basement? Has a recently acquired new or more fire arms and ammo, along with spending more time at the gun range? Is he becoming more "distant" or aloof?
Just be on the alert for changes in behavior which could signify radicalization and don't hesitate to express your concerns to local law enforcement; they could use the help.
That's MY AMERICAN OPINION, respectfully submitted.
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