Chitwood: Man’s jihad stand unsettling

PORTLAND – A young Islamic convert who has voiced support for a holy war against the United States could provoke violence with his inflammatory statements, Portland Police Chief Michael Chitwood said.

Isanu Dyson caught the attention of authorities first by his statements in support of jihad and later by trying to buy weapons and by applying for a job refueling airplanes at the Portland International Jetport, where two terrorists started their day on Sept. 11.

He was featured in Monday’s New York Post as saying that while the airplane hijackers were wrong to kill innocent civilians, it would be “noble” to enlist with the Taliban and fight U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan.

Dyson, 24, could not be reached by phone or at his downtown apartment building on Monday.

Chitwood said Dyson, who is unemployed, arrived in Portland about four months ago from San Diego. The chief said he does not know what drew Dyson to Maine, but noted that officers had several contacts with him since the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

The first meeting took place three days after the attacks at the Islamic Society of Portland mosque on Brackett Street.

“Basically he had called us to ask to speak with him about safety concerns at the mosque, and we did that,” Chitwood said.

During the conversation, Dyson spoke in support of jihad, “which kind of infuriated the detectives,” the chief added.

Dyson also complained that he had tried to get a job with Northeast Air as an aircraft refueler at Portland International Jetport but was denied work because he wore Islamic garb, the chief said.

The Post said Dyson, who converted to Islam three years ago, carries a dagger and a 3-foot sword. Police have not seen the sword, Chitwood said, but the dagger, which Dyson wears on his belt, is not a concealed weapon and, “as long as you’re not threatening anyone,” is not illegal.

Chitwood said he was notified by a gun shop in Hallowell that Dyson tried to buy a semiautomatic weapon and a high-powered rifle for $1,800, but “they turned him down.” The chief said the incident was referred to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

On two occasions, Dyson “showed up at the airport in full regalia and wanted to pray out there,” Chitwood said. “We chased him out, obviously.” The chief said officers did that for Dyson’s personal safety.

The chief said Dyson is causing a great deal of concern. “His remarks are inflammatory … disheartening and sickening.”

Still, the chief said he has no inkling of Dyson’s motivations.

“He’s a very articulate guy,” Chitwood said. “He’s no dummy. So what he’s trying to do, I have no idea.”

Chitwood said he recognizes Dyson’s right to free speech, but believes his statements are damaging efforts by virtually everyone to keep Portland a peaceful community.

“If he feels this way,” Chitwood said, “I would personally pay for a ticket to fly him to Afghanistan.”