Accused wannabe terrorists Carlos Eduardo Almonte and Mohamed Mahmood Alessa were arrested last week in new Jersey as they tried to board a plane to Somalia in order to join a terrrorists group called al-Shabab.
The two are suburban kids (Almonteis 24 and Alessais 20) with no connections to terrorism, and said they are looking for "dignity and honor" through terrorism, while living in the suburbs of New Jersey. But here's the detail that relates back to gaming: Along with watching Jihadi training videos on YouTube, lifting weights, and playing paintball, news sources are reporting the two enjoyed violent video games, playing first-person-shooters in the role of the terrorists.
While no one is making that big of a deal of the two's penchant for playing games yet, I could foresee one of those "Are games terrorist training aids?" memes circulating in the media, so before it does, I'd like to point this out: 99.9999 percent of young people in the their 20s who play paintball, watch violent YouTube videos and play first-person shooters in the role of terrorists don't make ridiculous plans to join faraway terrorist organizations.
Also: Even though Almonte and Alessa will be villified in the media, they seem more pathetic and sad to me than dangerous. The FBI has been apparently on their trail for years, waiting for the pair to do anything illegal (like boarding a plane with the intention of comitting violence agains they US.) . They spilled everything to undercover agents. The whole picture -- two nobodies talking big about how hardcore they are while playing games and lifiting weights -- points to a couple of dudes who are now in way over their heads to me.
Source: New York Daily News
Comments
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insomic
the video games making kids violent is a lie, the true form of terrorism in video games is they are making you fat so you die of a heart attack at an early age and the gov cant make you work your ass off and make money off you
cpspoo
Cot-damn "Metal of Duty"!! You kids and your First Person Shoot'ems are ruining the world... Bin Laden is probably training on XBL right this very second... also the boogie man is in your closet, monsters live under your bed, big brother is watching you, fear, fear, fear, etc.
Taboo5289
Yep because FPS' can train you to shoot that well and teach military tactics the likes no other medium can. Video Games will always be a scapegoat no matter how mainstream they get. As many of us I have been playing violent games for years and I don't wanna do anything violent to society. But with millions of people playing video games these days sooner or later there's gonna be a crazy or two who makes the whole group look bad.
incantator
Has anyone asked the Dalai Lama if he plays video games? It would be nice if we could find some way to link video games to peace and non-violence for once, since anecdotal evidence seems to be the only kind of evidence that is listened too anymore.
xeirxru
It;s not Violent Game that fuels them, it;s the weight that the U.S. put on there shoulders an they want them off.
Redd75
They were looking for 'dignity and honor' through terrorism? The only things you find in terrorism are cowardice and murder.
jigsaw808
these guys r absolute boneheads. dignity and honor can be found in everyday things. like taking care of ur damn kids or community service. these two were looking for self-worth. its the same thing the military does to sell the youth on a righteous calling. everybody's so damn impressionable today. problem is truth depends on which side of the fence ur sitting on. read a damn philosophy book.
Cowflab
Funny thing that i saw this earlier this morning! The U.S. military apparently using desensitized gamers to better kill "terrorists". Its just easier to pull the trigger.
http://www.examiner.com/exam iner/x-48103-Austin-Video-Game -Industry-Examiner~y2010m6d7-U S-Military-Experienced-Gamers- Easier-To-Train
Cyborger
Shooters can't teach you anything about real gun fights just like racing games can't teach you to drive.
insomic
Stupid Patriots trying to control the media flow and ban video games lol i love metal gear solid
Diggerclan
Hmm... I agree, more pathetic then anything. How do you gain dignity and honor by killing innocent people?
sarid
if gaming makes people a terrorist then im am 100% more evil than osama binladen
SaintArsenal
Just one of many things most humans have in common no matter what side of terrorism you're on. Terrorists breath air but hopefully you don't see anyone trying to crackdown on air breathers.
angryOnanist
OJ plays golf, some serial killer played boardgames.I think we need to broaden your horizons on what we think effects the mind of human psyche
sistokid
Great now every one is going to think that New Jersey is filled with terrorists and guedos. Im from Jersey and im not a terrorist and im only half guedo. Me and Alsion have gotta represent Jersey... and then passionately make out... just sayin
Snowolf
I could easily use Google and Lowe's to make a bomb, but that means I'd have to go outside....and its hot out there.
Besides, with the money spent to make a bomb and buy a plane ticket, you could easily get surround sound and a big TV AND you could virtually blow stuff up as much as you want...problem solved.
alexis1991
oh please i bet these kids drink Gatorade too why dont we blame it on Gatorade
gamermoney
I think we're missing the point here. Gamers will rule the world. lol. funny...ni...i'll go back to my man cave
JessicaStar
I bet they ate pizza too, and maybe even watched TV. Frickin' food and entertainment choice of the terrorists there. I bet they all eat pizza...
JewUnit666
the whole terrorist thing couldnt be related to the fact that one of them sounds muslim...
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