The Chicago Independent Media Center said Fariz and Ballut are "widely respected in Chicago for their measured, principled support for justice for the Palestinians." It trumpeted a support rally being staged on their behalf - three days after the arrests - that was organized by the mosque both men had led.
This is what Steven Emerson has been talking about for quite a few years. He wrote "American Jihad" warning us about Muslim terrorists and terrorist sympathizers living among us. These terrorists and their sympathizers are supporters of Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other terrorist groups. According to Emerson, we face a real threat from the Muslim groups living in America that have been funding terrorist activities, plotting attacks, infiltrating universities, and recruiting other terrorists through a sophisticated communications network.