Terrorism suspect Ismail Hamed arraigned in court

An 18-year-old man shot by a Maricopa County sheriff’s deputy in Fountain Hills and later charged with terrorism was arraigned in court Thursday morning.

A not-guilty plea was entered for Ismail Hamed during the proceedings held before Commissioner Thomas Kaipio in Maricopa County Superior Court. Hamed is scheduled to return to court at 8:15 a.m. March 8.

A hearing was also scheduled for April 8.

Hamed made no statements during the hearing. He has retained private counsel, Mark Mendoza, who had no comment after the arraignment hearing.

A complaint filed by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office alleges Hamed “intentionally or knowingly, did provide advice, assistance, direction or management” to the terrorist organization ISIS, which is listed under several formal names, including the Islamic State of Iraq al-Sham.

He is facing one count of terrorism under state law, a Class 2 felony, for that allegation.

Hamed faces a second count of terrorism for his actions on Jan. 7, the night he was shot and wounded by a deputy in Fountain Hills outside the town’s government complex.

Additionally, Hamed is facing a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, which was filed prior to the terrorism charges were filed.

Hamed is suspected of throwing rocks at a sergeant and brandishing a knife outside the the Fountain Hills substation, according to sheriff’s officials. When Hamed didn’t comply with commands to drop the knife, the sergeant shot him. Hamed was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Source: AZ Central