DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE 

 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Ideologically Inspired Violent Extremists: A Case Study on Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad December 2015 |1

INVESTIGATING IDEOLOGICALLY INSPIRED 

VIOLENT EXTREMISTS:

LOCAL PARTNERS ARE AN ASSET

A CASE STUDY ON ABDULHAKIM MUJAHID MUHAMMAD1

The U.S. Secret Service conducts threat assessment investigations on individuals who come to attention 

for having a threatening or concerning interest in Secret Service 

protected interests (e.g., the White House, the Inauguration). A routine 

part of the investigative process is working within local communities to 

gather additional information that enhances the assessment of the risk 

these individuals may pose. Federal investigations into ideologically 

motivated violent extremists, who are at risk for engaging in targeted 

violence, can also be enhanced by gathering such community-level 

information from those who have knowledge about these individuals. 

These efforts involve working with local law enforcement and other 

public safety partners to learn more about those under investigation, as 

well as interviewing others who are familiar with these individuals. 

Using examples from the case of Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad, this 

document shares some of the information local agencies and individuals 

had about his behavior prior to the incident. Muhammad opened fire on 

two uniformed service members outside the Army-Navy Career Center 

in Little Rock, AR, in June 2009. A case summary of Muhammad’s life 

also follows. 

Sources of Information for Federal Investigations 

Federal agencies often work together to investigate violent extremists at risk for committing acts of 

targeted violence. These acts of violence are normally carried out in order to influence attitudes and 

behaviors of a wider audience. Federal investigators are well positioned to gather information from 

domestic and international sources related to these individuals, and have access to information on 

weapons, criminal history, and travel history. At times this information and the investigations themselves 

are classified, thus limiting the dissemination of certain types of data. Federal investigators may also be 

concerned about compromising ongoing investigations. When possible, however, their investigations can 

be enhanced with relevant information from local law enforcement partners and individuals familiar with 

those who are under investigation. The Secret Service threat assessment process offers an example of 

how federal investigators can gather and utilize community-level information to enhance their 

investigations.

Using Community-Level Information to Enhance Investigations 

One goal of Secret Service threat assessment investigations is to detect and disrupt acts of targeted 

violence as early as possible. Agents and analysts use a variety of tools to accomplish this, including 

gathering information and working with other federal agencies to learn if someone is of record for 

 

1 While permission to reprint is not necessary, when quoting, paraphrasing, or otherwise referring to this case study, the citation should be: 

National Threat Assessment Center. (2015). Investigating ideologically inspired violent extremists: Local partners are an asset. A case study on 

Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad. Washington, DC: U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security.

On June 1, 2009, Abdulhakim 

Mujahid Muhammad, 23, fatally 

shot Private William Andrew Long 

and seriously wounded Private 

Quinton I. Ezeagwula, while they 

were standing in uniform outside 

the Army-Navy Career Center in 

Little Rock, AR. The attack was part 

of Muhammad’s personal campaign 

of violence, during which he 

planned to attack Jewish and 

military targets in retaliation for 

American actions in Guantanamo 

Bay, Abu Ghraib, and Bagram Air 

Base.

.
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE 

 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Ideologically Inspired Violent Extremists: A Case Study on Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad December 2015 |2

threatening or concerning behavior. While this information is important and useful, the Secret Service 

also relies on information from local communities that come into contact with the subject of the 

investigation. For example, the Secret Service works with local law enforcement to learn more about their 

knowledge of and interactions with the individual. This collaboration supports our efforts to conduct a 

thorough threat assessment. 

In addition, Secret Service threat assessment investigations involve an interview with the concerning 

individual, when possible, as well as corroborative interviews with family members, friends, and others 

who have information about the person of concern. The benefit of conducting corroborative interviews is 

highlighted in the findings of a recent Secret Service study that examined attacks on federal government 

targets.2 The study found that all but one of the perpetrators exhibited concerning behaviors at some 

point prior to their attacks and half had elicited concern in others in the five-year period leading up to the 

attack. The study included several cases in which the perpetrators were ideologically motivated to carry 

out their attacks. Those perpetrators engaged in concerning behaviors that included disturbing 

communications in which they referenced ideological issues or made veiled references of harm; changes 

in behavior related to occupational performance or social functioning; and conflicts or strained 

relationships with family members or coworkers stemming from their actions or beliefs. We know from 

research and investigative experience that gathering information on the individual’s behaviors from others 

provides a detailed picture of the individual and helps investigators determine whether he or she is 

moving farther down a path toward violence. Local law enforcement partners and corroborative 

interviews with those who know the person of interest can also provide relevant and unique information to 

enhance the investigation of violent extremists.

Applying a Community-Level Investigative Approach to the Case of Abdulhakim 

Mujahid Muhammad

The methods for enhancing federal investigations with community-level resources are illustrated in this 

section using information related to Muhammad’s actions and life circumstances that are described in 

greater detail in the case summary that follows. All of the information provided in the case summary was 

derived from open source materials.3 The content contained in this overview is designed to provide 

considerations for future threat assessment investigations. It is not an evaluation of the investigation or 

actions that occurred prior to the events of June 1, 2009. 

Local law enforcement personnel had come in contact with Muhammad over the course of several years 

and had information about some of his prior behaviors. Additionally, family, friends, and acquaintances 

observed changes in his behavior over time that caused concern. Here we describe information 

community-level partners had regarding Muhammad’s thoughts and actions prior to the incident.

 Involve Local Law Enforcement 

Local law enforcement officials may have concerns about an individual based on observations 

acquired through their own investigative work and their knowledge of the local community. They 

also typically have more detailed knowledge of an individual’s criminal history and previous 

interactions with law enforcement. Often, running a criminal history check provides limited 

information about the details of an offense and the context in which a person’s arrest occurred. 

Contacting local law enforcement about an individual of concern allows for an exchange of 

information about the person, including whether local authorities have observed activities of concern 

and the types of contacts they have had with the individual. 

 

2 National Threat Assessment Center. (2015). Attacks on federal government 2001-2013: Threat assessment considerations. Washington, DC: 

U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security.

3 Open source materials reviewed to prepare this case summary included court records, congressional testimony, police reports, news media, 

accounts, and personal communications from Muhammad.
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE 

 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Ideologically Inspired Violent Extremists: A Case Study on Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad December 2015 |3

In Muhammad’s case, a standard criminal records check might not have revealed two of his contacts 

with law enforcement. For example, in 2003, he was involved in a traffic accident during which a 

female driver struck his vehicle. He was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon after he 

struck the rear passenger window of her car while wearing chrome-plated brass knuckles. He also 

threatened to kill her. The case was processed non-judicially due to Muhammad’s status as a 

juvenile. Similarly, in 2004, Muhammad faced a second weapons charge after he was found in 

possession of a loaded SKS rifle, two shotguns, a switchblade, and a small amount of marijuana. 

He was charged with one misdemeanor for possessing prohibited weapons in relation to the 

switchblade. This charge was ultimately dismissed, and the case was expunged several months 

later.

These incidents reveal a history of aggressive and threatening behavior, drug possession, and 

weapons possession, all of which are important to consider when assessing someone’s risk for 

violence. Knowledge of this type of behavior, unapparent from a records check, may support 

additional avenues of investigation. Reaching out to local law enforcement and checking with 

juvenile authorities may provide information in support of ongoing federal investigations.

 Conduct Corroborative Interviews 

Interviewing those familiar with a person of concern, such as family, friends, and others, is a key part 

of a threat assessment investigation. Those who know the person well often hold critical information 

that can influence an investigator’s understanding of the individual’s behavior. In those cases in 

which the subject of the investigation consents to speak with law enforcement, corroborative 

interviews can serve to substantiate, or refute, the individual’s claims. Alternatively, in cases in 

which the subject of the investigation refuses to speak with law enforcement, corroborative 

interviews may be the sole source of information available to the investigator. 

Muhammad engaged in practices to minimize or disguise some of his behaviors to prevent his family 

and friends from discovering his violent intentions. Even so, family members were concerned about 

changes in his personality and behaviors after his conversion to Islam. They were worried that he 

no longer seemed to enjoy activities, like playing basketball and listening to rap music, which he had 

enjoyed prior to his religious conversion. They were also concerned about specific changes in his 

behavior, such as dropping out of college; being argumentative when discussing religion; removing 

posters of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from his bedroom because he believed Islam did not allow 

glorifying idols other than Allah; releasing his pet dog because of what he viewed as the ritual belief 

in Islam that dogs are unclean; and evidence of agitation, unease, and an inability to sleep. In 

addition to his family, Muhammad’s friends and others familiar with him also had relevant 

information. For example, they were aware of his difficulty in maintaining employment and his 

perception that those troubles were due to anti-Muslim sentiment.

An interview with a person of concern and other information sought proactively may not reveal 

enough to justify further investigation, particularly when individuals engage in deception. However, 

gathering information from others who are familiar with the individual allows investigators to gain a 

more comprehensive picture of the person that may impact their assessment of the risk posed. 

Benefits of Joint Investigations

Federal investigators and members of Joint Terrorism Task Forces have access to a variety of resources 

and, when permissible, can share intelligence with appropriate local authorities when investigating violent 

extremists at risk of carrying out acts of targeted violence. Information derived from local law 

enforcement and others familiar with the person of concern is a valuable resource. Information from 

these community-level partners may lead to further investigative avenues, and more importantly, support 

a more accurate assessment of whether a violent extremist is preparing or planning to commit an act of 

targeted violence. 
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE 

 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Ideologically Inspired Violent Extremists: A Case Study on Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad December 2015 |4

CASE SUMMARY

Early Behavioral and Legal Problems

Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad, named Carlos Leon Bledsoe4 at birth, was raised by a middle-class 

Baptist family in Memphis, TN. He had a number of behavioral problems and contacts with law 

enforcement during his school years. In middle school, this included disciplinary problems for fighting and 

occasional suspensions. While in high school, Muhammad was allegedly a member of a gang, and 

reportedly drank alcohol a few times a year and smoked marijuana a few times a month.

Muhammad also was of record with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office for fighting in school, threatening 

to kill other people, and destroying property. In the summer of 2003, after he graduated from high school, 

he was involved in a traffic accident in Memphis, TN when a female driver struck his vehicle after she 

failed to stop at a stop sign. Muhammad approached her vehicle, struck her rear passenger window 

while wearing chrome-plated brass knuckles, and threatened to kill her. He was charged with unlawful 

possession of a weapon in relation to this incident; however, the case was processed non-judicially due to 

his status as a juvenile. Later that summer, Muhammad moved to Nashville, TN to study business 

administration in preparation for eventually taking over his father’s tour bus business. While enrolled in 

college, he was employed as a bellboy at a hotel for a year then later worked for a temp agency. During 

this time, he increased his substance use, drinking alcohol about four nights a week and smoking about 

an ounce of marijuana a week. According to a fellow student, Muhammad also got into frequent violent 

altercations during college.

On February 21, 2004, while in his freshman year, Muhammad was arrested during a traffic stop in 

Knoxville, TN. The car in which he was a passenger was pulled over for an equipment violation. Officers 

from the Knoxville Police Department found a loaded SKS rifle, two shotguns, two shotgun shells, an 

ounce of marijuana, and a switchblade knife in the car. Muhammad claimed he owned the weapons and 

told police that he was going to sell the shotguns for $100 each to one of the other passengers in the car. 

Muhammad was initially charged with weapons and drug possession, but the charges were reduced to 

one misdemeanor charge of possessing prohibited weapons for the switchblade. Muhammad reportedly 

faced a lengthy sentence, but reached an agreement with prosecutors that the case would be dropped if 

he did not have any further incidents. The charge was ultimately dismissed and expunged on June 21, 

2004.

Conversion to Islam and Ensuing Concerning Behavior

The 2004 arrest and the threat of a possible prison sentence appeared to motivate Muhammad to turn his 

life around. Although raised a Baptist, he began to re-examine his Christian roots and explore other 

religions. He considered converting to Judaism, but did not feel welcomed at one synagogue and 

believed it was because he was African American. Muhammad considered Islam next and visited a 

mosque. While there, he was transfixed by the unity of the movements he observed during prayers, and 

felt welcomed when he expressed his interest to those attending. In order to learn about Islam, he 

watched movies about Malcolm X and attended a speech by Minister Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the 

Nation of Islam. In December 2004, Muhammad converted to Islam, adhering to the philosophy of the 

Sunni sect. He stopped drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana and began to spend much of his time in 

Nashville’s Somali community. He attended prayers at the Islamic Center of Nashville. 

Muhammad dropped out of college at the beginning of the fall 2005 semester. In December 2005, he 

visited his family in Memphis, TN for Christmas. Muhammad’s family was unhappy about his conversion 

to Islam and concerned about his behavior. During this and subsequent visits, his father observed that 

Muhammad’s personality and interests had changed. For example, he noted that Muhammad was very 

 

4 Muhammad legally changed his name to Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad on March 29, 2006.
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE 

 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Ideologically Inspired Violent Extremists: A Case Study on Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad December 2015 |5

argumentative with his brother-in-law when they discussed religion. In addition, during one visit, 

Muhammad took down all the pictures of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that had hung in his bedroom since 

he was a child, explaining that Islam did not allow glorification of idols other than Allah. He also stopped 

playing basketball and listening to rap music.

Because of their concern about his behavior, Muhammad’s family made an effort to visit him in Nashville 

as often as possible and soon discovered that he had dropped out of college. During one of their visits, 

his parents also learned that Muhammad had set his dog loose because he believed that Muslims 

thought dogs were unclean. In addition, despite the fact that Muhammad was spending so much of his 

time at the mosque and with other worshippers, he never introduced his parents to any of the 

congregants during their visits. Further, Muhammad tried unsuccessfully to convert family members to 

Islam. These attempts were often met with anger from his father. Ultimately, Muhammad stopped visiting 

his family. 

From 2005 to 2006, Muhammad lived in several apartments, and at some point failed to pay rent, which 

resulted in legal proceedings being brought against him. Around this same time, Muhammad was also 

having difficulty maintaining employment, for which he blamed anti-Muslim sentiment, ignoring the fact 

that during one job, he was caught sleeping in his car during work hours. 

In 2006 and 2007, Muhammad spent some time in Columbus, OH. While in Columbus, in April 2007, he 

was issued a State of Ohio driver’s license. He also received a traffic ticket in Tennessee on August 13, 

2007 for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle. That ticket would result in the suspension of his Ohio 

driver’s license several months later.

Time in Yemen 

On September 11, 2007, Muhammad moved from Nashville, TN to Aden, Yemen. His family expressed 

concern that he may get involved in radical activities and tried to convince him to stay in the U.S. 

Muhammad explained, however, that he was going to Yemen because he wanted to learn Arabic and visit 

Mecca, an Islamic holy site in Saudi Arabia. To facilitate his move, Muhammad signed a one-year 

contract to teach English at the British Academy, earning $300 per month. According to Muhammad’s 

father, the family would later find out that the school was a recruiting tool to radicalize westerners.

Prior to his departure, Muhammad told his sister that he planned to marry while in Yemen and eventually 

move to Saudi Arabia. She told him she was concerned about him getting involved with terrorists in 

Yemen. To assuage her fears, Muhammad waved off her concerns and told her that he was not a violent 

person. Privately, however, Muhammad had been committed to the idea of engaging in violence from the 

time he converted to Islam, but he did not reveal his extremist beliefs to her or anyone else close to him. 

During Muhammad’s time abroad, his emails to his sister grew increasingly religious and he continued to 

attempt to convert her to Islam. 

While in Yemen, Muhammad’s interests in violent extremism were nurtured by the contacts he made with 

others who shared those interests. Additionally, he was angered by news reports about the harm inflicted 

on Muslims by U.S. soldiers and his experiences with Afghan child refugees. At one point, Muhammad 

was reportedly asked to carry out a suicide mission in the U.S. Even though he wanted to commit such 

an attack, he was unable to do so because he lacked the knowledge and training necessary to carry it 

out. 

In November 2007, Muhammad relocated from Aden to Yemen’s capital city, Sana’a, and took Arabic 

courses at the City Institute while he taught English. In September 2008, he married an elementary 

school teacher who was one of his English students and paid the dowry by selling his car in the U.S. 

On November 14, 2008, while attempting to travel to the Federal Republic of Somalia, Muhammad was 

arrested in Yemen at a border checkpoint. He was detained because his visa to Yemen had expired and 
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE 

 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Ideologically Inspired Violent Extremists: A Case Study on Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad December 2015 |6

because he was in possession of a fake Somali passport. Muhammad would later claim that he wanted 

to travel to Somalia because he wanted to meet others intent on committing terrorism against Jewish and 

American targets. He also specifically wanted to receive training on the making of explosives and car 

bombs. 

The FBI learned that Muhammad had been arrested while in possession of manuals on how to construct 

explosives and home-made silencers as well as videos of militants, and they suspected he might have 

ties to terrorism. An agent from the FBI Nashville Field Office travelled to Yemen to interview 

Muhammad. Muhammad reportedly asked the agent to help get him out of the prison. When he was not 

released, he reportedly felt abandoned by the U.S. government. The radicals he met in prison 

encouraged that belief and told him that the U.S. had deserted him and that they were the only ones who 

cared about him. According to Muhammad, it was at this time that he began to plan a campaign of 

violence against Jewish and American military targets. 

Two weeks after his arrest in Yemen, Muhammad’s parents were informed of this development by his 

wife. His parents contacted their congressional representative, who in turn contacted the U.S. 

Department of State on Muhammad’s behalf. Due to these efforts, Muhammad was released and sent 

back to the U.S. on January 29, 2009. His wife remained in Yemen.

Following His Return to the U.S.

Almost immediately after his return, Muhammad took care of his outstanding traffic ticket from 2007, 

which had resulted in the suspension of his Ohio driver’s license. In mid-February 2009, Muhammad was 

contacted and interviewed again by the same FBI agent who interviewed him in Yemen. Around this 

time, he was living with his parents in Memphis, TN, and he and his family maintained regular email 

contact with his wife. 

After his return, Muhammad’s parents recognized a change in their son’s behavior, to include an inability 

to sleep, which they attributed to what he may have endured while in custody and witnessed among the 

refugees in Yemen. His family also noted that he was restless, uneasy, and withdrawn, and would 

become agitated when watching news reports about the conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq. In an effort to 

assist him, his family planned to help Muhammad with securing employment and obtaining a visa for his 

wife to come to the U.S. In April 2009, his father opened a new branch of his tour bus company in Little 

Rock, AR and Muhammad moved there to manage it. The family’s efforts to acquire a visa for his wife to 

travel to the U.S., however, were unsuccessful. They learned that it would be very difficult to obtain a 

visa for a Yemeni citizen due to the high level of violent extremist activity in that country. This eventually 

led to a conflict between Muhammad and his wife that ended with him telling her that he was going to 

seek a divorce.

Planning a Campaign of Violence 

Unbeknownst to anyone surrounding him, Muhammad initiated planning for his violent attack in Little 

Rock, AR. Because of his limited budget, it took him some time to purchase guns and stockpile 

ammunition. Muhammad only used cash to make his purchases, refusing to use credit cards because he 

wanted to adhere to Islam’s prohibition on the accrual and payment of interest. 

In early May 2009, Muhammad purchased a .22 rifle with a laser sight at a retail store. One salesman 

observed that Muhammad did not seem to know what he wanted to buy and that whenever anyone spoke 

to him, he looked around nervously. When asked why he was purchasing the weapon, Muhammad said 

it was for target shooting. Once Muhammad left, the salesman who completed the transaction told a 

coworker that he was uncomfortable with the sale because Muhammad’s license, which had been issued 

days earlier, was only valid until July. 
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE 

 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Ideologically Inspired Violent Extremists: A Case Study on Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad December 2015 |7

One week later, Muhammad purchased a semiautomatic handgun from a man who had advertised the 

sale in a newspaper. Days after the transaction, he contacted the man again to ask where he could 

purchase ammunition. Muhammad also bought a Russian-made semiautomatic assault rifle secondhand 

from another person, completing the transaction in a parking lot. Muhammad was concerned that the FBI 

was monitoring his activities and believed that by buying his guns used, he would avoid detection through 

the required federal background checks. 

At about this time, Muhammad began planning the details of his upcoming attack by conducting research 

online to identify potential targets. His final plan included assassinating Jewish targets and attacking 

military recruiting centers in the Southeast, mid-Atlantic, and Northeast areas of the U.S. 

When Muhammad’s sister spoke with her brother in late May 2009, he appeared excited about his new 

position in the family business. This was in contrast, however, to a video he posted online on May 28, 

2009. The video showed Muhammad discussing his plans to attack Jewish and military targets in 

retaliation for the actions of Americans against Muslims. He described, among other things, his anger 

about American actions in Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghraib, and Bagram Air Base.

Initiating a Plan of Attack

Over a three-day period, Muhammad engaged in six failed attempts to attack Jewish and military targets. 

On the night of May 29, 2009, Muhammad left his home. At 12:30 a.m. on May 30, 2009, he approached 

the home of a rabbi in Little Rock, AR and fired 10 shots from a .22 rifle at the home before driving away. 

Continuing on the same day, Muhammad drove 135 miles to Memphis, TN, where he approached the 

home of a second rabbi around 3:00 a.m., but left without firing on the home because he was worried 

about being reported by neighbors. The following day, May 31, 2009, he drove 215 miles to Nashville, 

TN, where he approached the home of a third rabbi, but again left without incident. He then drove to his 

fourth target, a Jewish community center, also in Nashville. He did not attack the community center 

because children were present and the center’s location did not afford an easy getaway. Later that same 

day, Muhammad drove 260 miles to Florence, KY and approached a military recruiting center. Finding 

the center closed on a Sunday, Muhammad then drove 215 miles overnight to return to Nashville, TN. He 

arrived at the home of another rabbi, his sixth target, at about 2:00 a.m. on June 1, 2009, and threw a 

Molotov cocktail at the home; it bounced off the window without causing any damage. 

After these failed attempts, Muhammad felt discouraged and decided to drive the 350 miles and six hours 

back to Little Rock, AR to plan his next move. 

The Incident

On June 1, 2009, just after 10:00 a.m., while en route to his apartment from his three-day journey, 

Muhammad saw Private Long and Private Ezeagwula in U.S. Army fatigues standing outside the ArmyNavy Career Center in Little Rock, AR. At 10:19 a.m., he drove up, pointed his rifle out of the car window, 

and fired 15 shots at the two soldiers, killing Pvt. Long and seriously injuring Pvt. Ezeagwula. 

Muhammad fled the scene, but was pulled over and arrested approximately 12 minutes later. At the time 

of his arrest, Muhammad was wearing a green ammunition belt with more than 150 rounds of 

ammunition. He also had a loaded semiautomatic handgun and 24 rounds of ammunition in his pocket. 

Officers searched his truck and discovered the rifle he used in the attack, as well as a laser-sightequipped rifle, two homemade silencers, approximately 200 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, 

Molotov cocktails, binoculars, clothing, a white lab coat, medicine, and a plastic tub containing nonperishable food, water, and a butane lighter.
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE 

 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Ideologically Inspired Violent Extremists: A Case Study on Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad December 2015 |8

Judicial Outcome

On July 25, 2011, Muhammad pleaded guilty to capital murder, attempted capital murder, and 10 counts 

of unlawful discharge of a weapon from a vehicle. In addition to a life sentence without parole on the 

capital murder charge, he was also given 11 more life sentences for the remaining charges. For each 

charge involving a firearm, he was given an additional 15 years, all to run consecutively. 
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE 

 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Ideologically Inspired Violent Extremists: A Case Study on Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad December 2015 |9

ABBREVIATED TIMELINE OF EVENTS IN THE YEARS

PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT

1999 – 2003 During high school, Muhammad is a member of a gang and 

involved in fights; also drinks alcohol and smokes marijuana 

regularly

Summer 2003 Involved in traffic incident where he threatens to kill the female 

driver who caused the accident and is charged with weapons 

possession

Late summer 2003 Moves to Nashville, TN to attend college

2003 – 2004 While attending college, works as a bellboy at a local hotel for a 

year, and then works for a temp agency; continues to drink alcohol 

and smoke marijuana regularly 

February 21, 2004 Arrested during a traffic stop in Knoxville, TN for possession of 

several weapons and an ounce of marijuana; charges are 

dismissed on June 21, 2004

Spring 2004 Begins to re-examine his life and explore other religions

December 2004 Converts to Islam

Fall 2005 Drops out of college

December 2005 Family notices personality and behavior changes when he visits 

for the Christmas holiday

2005 – 2006 Lives in several apartments, but does not pay his rent, which 

results in legal proceedings against him; also has trouble 

maintaining employment

March 29, 2006 Legally changes name from Carlos Leon Bledsoe to Abdulhakim 

Mujahid Muhammad

September 11, 2007 Moves from Nashville, TN to Aden, Yemen

November 2007 Moves from Aden, Yemen to Sana’a, Yemen

September 2008 Marries a woman in Yemen

November 14, 2008 Arrested at a border checkpoint in Yemen for having an expired 

visa and carrying a fake Somali passport
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

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Ideologically Inspired Violent Extremists: A Case Study on Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad December 2015 |10

Late 2008 While he was in Yemeni custody, interviewed by a Nashville FBI 

agent for possible ties to terrorism

January 29, 2009 Returns to the United States and lives with his parents in 

Memphis, TN

Mid-February 2009 Re-interviewed by the same FBI agent 

April 2009 Moves to Little Rock, AR to manage a new branch of his father’s 

tour bus company

Spring 2009 Tells his wife he is seeking a divorce after efforts to obtain a U.S. 

visa for her fail

May 2009 Purchases a rifle from a retail store, a semiautomatic handgun 

from a newspaper ad, and a semiautomatic assault rifle 

secondhand from another person

May 28, 2009 Posts a video online discussing his plans to attack Jewish and 

military targets because of American actions against Muslims
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE 

 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Ideologically Inspired Violent Extremists: A Case Study on Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad December 2015 |11

ABBREVIATED TIMELINE OF EVENTS: MAY 30-JUNE 1, 2009

May 30

12:30 a.m. Fires 10 shots from his car toward the Little Rock, AR home of a rabbi

3:00 a.m. Arrives at his second target, the home of a rabbi in Memphis, TN, and waits 

outside, but leaves without incident

May 31

Unknown time Approaches a third rabbi’s home in Nashville, TN, but leaves without 

incident

Unknown time Arrives at his fourth target, a Nashville, TN Jewish community center, but 

leaves without incident

Unknown time Approaches an Armed Forces Recruiting Center in Florence, KY, but finds 

the center closed because it is a Sunday; drives back to Nashville, TN

June 1

2:00 a.m. Arrives at a fourth rabbi’s home and throws a Molotov cocktail at the house; 

it bounces off the window without causing any damage; begins driving 

home to Little Rock, AR

About 10:00 a.m. En route to his apartment, sees two men in U.S. Army fatigues outside the 

Army-Navy Career Center in Little Rock, AR

10:19 a.m. Fatally shoots Pvt. Long and seriously wounds Pvt. Ezeagwula outside the 

Army-Navy Career Center 

10:31 a.m. Gets pulled over and is arrested by police
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

 UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE 

 NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT CENTER

Ideologically Inspired Violent Extremists: A Case Study on Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad December 2015 |12

REFERENCES

1) Abrams, J. (2009, June 2). Little Rock shooting suspect joins growing list of Muslim converts 

accused of targeting U.S. FoxNews.com. 

2) Attacked deputy’s condition critical. (2010, April 19). Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

3) Barnes, S., & Dao, J. (2009, June 2). Gunman kills soldier outside recruiting station. The New 

York Times, p. A16.

4) Bartels, C. (2009, June 3). Little Rock shooter may have had other targets. Associated Press 

Online.

5) Bench Warrant, State v. Muhammad, No. 60CR-10-1233 (Ark. 6th Cir. Ct. Apr. 26, 2010).

6) Bench Warrant, State v. Muhammad, No. 60CR-10-1823 (Ark. 6th Cir. Ct. June 7, 2010).

7) Bench Warrant, State v. Muhammad, No. CR 2009 002626 (Ark. 6th Cir. Ct. July 21, 2009). 

8) Bledsoe, M. (2011, March 10). The extent of radicalization in the American Muslim community 

and that community's response. Statement to the House, Committee on Homeland Security. 

Washington, DC. 

9) Dao, J. (2010, February 17). A Muslim son, a murder trial and many questions. The New York 

Times, p. A11. 

10) Dao, J., & Johnston, D. (2009, June 3). Man held in recruiting office killing is tied to onetime use 

of fake Somali passport. The New York Times, p. A16. 

11) Davis, A. (2011, July 22). Muhammad on tape: Was out to ‘retaliate.’ Arkansas DemocratGazette.

12) Davis, A. (2011, July 23). Witness details ‘mental illness;’ Psychiatrist says Muhammad 

‘delusional’ on day of shooting. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. 

13) Davis, A. (2011, July 30). Killer: Shot at rabbi’s house; Claim in letters by Muhammad. 

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

14) Davis, A. (2011, August 3). LR police holding video of GI killer. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

15) Davis, A. (2011, August 15). Details of ’06 slaying tied to GI killer told; Case file covers 

Tennessee confession. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. 

16) DeMillo, A. (2010, January 22). Abdulhakim Muhammad, Arkansas Army Center shooting 

suspect, claims Al Qaeda ties. HuffingtonPost.com.

17) Forensic Evaluation for Abdulhakim Muhammad, State v. Muhammad, Nos. CR 09-2626, CR 10-

1233, CR 10-1232 (Ark. 6th Cir. Ct. July 20, 2010). 

18) Gambrell, J. (2009, June 4a). Lawyer: Ark. attack suspect ‘radicalized’ in Yemen. The 

Associated Press.
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19) Gambrell, J. (2009, June 4b). Recruiter shooting suspect had earlier arrest. Associated Press 

Online.

20) Gambrell, J. (2009, June 5). Yemen: Accused shooter not tortured in prison. The Associated 

Press.

21) Gambrell, J. (2009, June 8). Family buries Arkansas soldier killed in shooting. The Associated 

Press State & Local Wire.

22) Gee, B. (2011, July 23). Defense witness grilled at terror trial. The Tennessean. 

23) Goetz, K. (2010, March 28). Gone astray; A father grieves for his son who claims responsibility 

for attack, as well as soldiers he’s accused of shooting. The Commercial Appeal, p. A1.

24) Goetz, K. (2010, November 14). Memphian drifted to dark side of Islamic extremism, plotted 

one-man jihad vs. homeland. CommercialAppeal.com. 

25) Goetz, K. (2011, July 21). Mother describes loss of son in Ark. attack; Surviving soldier recalls 

shots, crawling to safety. The Commercial Appeal, p. A1.

26) Goetz, K. (2011, July 26). Muhammad pleads guilty. The Commercial Appeal, p. A1.

27) In the name change of: Carlos Leon Bledsoe, order of name change, No. 06P-464 (Tenn. 7th Cir. 

Ct. Mar. 29, 2006). 

28) Knoxville Police Department: Knoxville Police Department Patrol. (2004, February 21). Knoxville 

Police Department Crime Report (04-007777.1). 

29) Letter from Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad to Circuit Judge Herbert T. Wright, Jr., 6th Judicial 

Court of Arkansas, 4th Division. (Personal communication, 2010, January 12). 

30) Letter from Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad to Circuit Judge Herbert T. Wright, Jr., 6th Judicial 

Court of Arkansas, 4th Division. (Personal communication, 2010, October 27). 

31) Letter from Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad to reporter Kristina Goetz, The Commercial Appeal. 

(Personal communication, 2010, September 30). 

32) Letter from Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad to reporter Kristina Goetz, The Commercial Appeal. 

(Personal communication, 2010, October 14). 

33) Letter from Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad to reporter Kristina Goetz, The Commercial Appeal. 

(Personal communication, 2010, May 18). 

34) Letter from Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad to reporter Kristina Goetz, The Commercial Appeal. 

(Personal communication, 2010, July 8). 

35) Letter from Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad to reporter Kristina Goetz, The Commercial Appeal. 

(Personal communication, 2010, September 1). 

36) Letter titled “Public Statement to Renounce” from Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad to unknown 

recipient. (Personal communication, 2011, July 9). 

37) Little Rock, Arkansas Recruiting Station Shooting: NEFA Target: America Series, Report #18. 

(2009, June). NEFAFoundation.org. 
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38) Little Rock Police Department. (2009, June 1a). Officer’s report; Arrest of Abdulhakim Mujahid 

Muhammad. 

39) Little Rock Police Department. (2009, June 1b). Search Warrant Inventory (2009-61198). 

40) Little Rock Police Department. (2009, June 1c). Search Warrant Inventory (2009-67198). (Note: 

Inventory from search of vehicle executed on June 1, 2009 at 1310 hrs).

41) Little Rock Police Department. (2009, June 1d). Search Warrant Inventory (2009-67198). (Note: 

Inventory from search of vehicle executed on June 1, 2009 at 1705 hrs).

42) Louis Farrakhan Biography. (n.d.). Biography.com. 

43) Lynch, J. (2009, July 1). Man charged in GI killing declines to change name. Arkansas 

Democrat-Gazette.

44) Lynch, J. (2009, July 22). Accused faces murder count in GI shootings: Filing allows death 

penalty in LR recruiting-site gunfire. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

45) Nuss, J. (2011, July 20). Jury picked for Arkansas solider [sic] death trial. The Associated 

Press.

46) Nuss, J. (2011, July 29). APNewsBreak: Ark. soldier shooter sent FBI letter. The Associated 

Press.

47) Nuss, J. (2011, July 30). Records show how Arkansas soldier shooter got guns. Associated 

Press State & Local Wire.

48) Oman, N. E. (2010, April 28). Judge delays Muhammad murder trial: He also orders mental 

exam in jailhouse threatening case. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. 

49) Sanders, J. Q. (2009, June 3). Wanted to kill more, suspect tells LR police; He pleads innocent 

in gunfire that killed soldier, hurt a 2nd. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. 

50) Sanders, J. Q. (2010, January 22). File: Muhammad stabbed a prisoner; Glasses piece a 

weapon, records say. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

51) Satter, L. (2009, November 14). Recruiting center shooting trial delayed. Arkansas DemocratGazette.

52) Simon, S. (2011, August 3). Attack suspect battles own lawyers. Miami Times, p. 6A.

53) Smietana, B. (2010, July 29). 7/29/10: Islam convert admits to failed firebombing. The 

Tennessean. 

54) Smietana, B. (2012, June 7). Film about former Nashville student turned terrorist debuts 

Thursday. The Tennessean.

55) Some events in life of Arkansas slaying suspect. (2009, July 30). The Associated Press State &

Local Wire.

56) The making of an American jihadist: Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad. (2011, April 15). IPT 

News. 
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57) Trister, N. (2009, June 1). Police say gunman targeted military. Record Searchlight, p. A3.

58) Trister, N. (2009, June 2). Suspect pleads not guilty in soldier’s death. Associated Press 

Online.