According to Dearborn’s Mayor Jack O’Reilly Jr., information was withheld about Hussein Zorkot, a suspect arrested with an AK-47 and camouflage paint, to avoid “anti-Muslim sentiment”. As Charles says, this is “bad craziness“.

On Tuesday, a nation honored those whose lives were lost during the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. But four days prior to the anniversary of the deadly terrorist attacks, a Wayne State medical student had city officials hoping that the event would not be marred by more bloodshed.

Houssein Zorkot, 26, was arrested Sept. 8 after he was observed wielding an AK-47 semi-automatic assault rifle in Hemlock Park, a popular destination for many Dearborn residents.

Zorkot, who is of Lebanese descent, was arraigned Tuesday in 19th District Court — the same day city officials sent out a press release about an event that had happened four days prior, and one day after the Press & Guide had contacted city officials seeking comment.

According to Dearborn Mayor “Jack” O“Reilly, Jr., the release of information about the case was delayed until after Zarkot’s arraignment and late in the day that marked the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. City officials feared that announcing the arrest of an armed Arabic man so close to anniversary of the attack would stir anti-Muslim sentiments and fan the flames of terrorism.

”We didn’t want this to become more than it is,“ O’Reilly said. ”There are certain things that the media latches onto, and this would have turned into a story about terrorism. That’s not the kind of tone we want to set.“

Zorkot has not been identified as a terrorist and has yet to be associated with any terrorist group, O’Reilly said. He has been charged with multiple felonies for carrying a dangerous weapon.

How thoughtful of you, Mr. Mayor. Are you aware that Zarkot openly supports Hizballah? Charles points out that Zarkot’s website has jihad music playing in the background with sounds of explosions. He has pictures of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Do you even know who that is, Mr. Mayor? Zarkot was picked up with an AK-47 assault rifle and camouflage paint. You didn’t want this to become “more than it is”?

Interestingly enough, there has been a recent surge in the amount of money in Dearborn coffers coming from Muslim interest groups. (H/t Michelle)