A California Islamist was arrested Friday in Santa Ana on charges that he assisted al Qaeda and was planning to become a foot soldier for the terror group, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Sinh Vinh Ngo Nguyen, who converted to Islam and changed his name to Hasan Abu Omar Ghannoum, was indicted on two counts of supporting al Qaeda and making false statements on his passport, Headlines & Global News reported.
He pleaded not guilty and will remain in custody until his Oct. 18 hearing.
Hieu Nguyen, the suspect’s mother, said the family was shocked by the arrest. His brother, who did not give his name, said his brother’s conversion to Islam “made him a better person,” Headlines & Global News reported.
A Facebook page for a man named Hasan Abu Omar Ghannoum posted a comment about a trip to Syria and Lebanon, the Times reported.
“I’m doing well in Syria … having a blast here, and I mean literally,” the man wrote in January.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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