Muslims condemn planned attack on post

AUSTIN (KXAN) - An AWOL soldier who had planned to attack Fort Hood said Muslims should not be serving in the U.S. military.

Army Pfc Naser Jason Abdo had applied for conscientious objector status in 2010 on the basis that going to war was against his religious beliefs.

A spokesperson for the Department of Defense said Thursday that 2009 statistics show there are about 3,500 soldiers who identify themselves as Muslim currently serving in the U.S. military, but that the number could be higher.

Several Islamic groups issued statements Thursday saying Abdo's views on Muslims serving in the U.S. military and said they do not reflect the views of the Islamic faith.

"To attack people in the United States, to attack your own military comrades that you've signed on with that are trusting you I think both on a religious level, on a moral level, ethical level, it's all wrong," said Imam Islam Mossaad, who leads prayer at the North Austin Muslim Community Center. "In Islam, this is a contract to be honored that you are to live peacefully with the people who are living peacefully with you."

Mossaad said he worried this latest incident would spread anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States, especially after the attack on Fort Hood by a Muslim Army psychiatrist killed 13 people at the base in November 2009.

"This is a person who carries a Muslim name, who identifies himself as a Muslim, who is doing something which is against the tenants of Islam," said Mossaad.

Abdo was initially granted and then denied conscientious objector status by the Army after he was charged with possession of child pornography. He had been AWOL from his Fort Campbell, Ky., post since July 4.