Here's a Dyson update:
Muslim Convert Receives Threats Over Comments Likening U.S. Air Strikes to Terrorism
By Clarke Canfield Associated Press Writer
Published: Oct 15, 2001
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - An Islamic convert whose anti-American views were promulgated by a New York newspaper is getting attention of a different sort - dozens of telephone threats.
Isanu Dyson, 24, was profiled Monday on the front page of the New York Post. The headline: "TRAITOR."
Dyson said he would support a holy war against the United States because he considers U.S. attacks on Afghanistan an attack on Islam. He said he regards the air strikes as terrorist acts.
During an interview Monday in his Portland apartment, Dyson said he has spoken publicly because he wants "to speak the truth."
"If I can't go fight with my hands, I have my voice," he said as he sat on carpet, dressed in a loose-fitting white outfit, a dagger in his belt and a 3-foot sword by his side.
During the interview, Dyson's phone rang incessantly, and one person left an obscene message.
Dyson, who is unemployed and moved to Portland from San Diego last spring after marrying an area woman, said he converted three years ago. He said his wife left their apartment for safety reasons.
Before the terrorist attacks, Dyson drew the attention of authorities by trying to buy weapons at a local gun shop and applying for a job refueling airplanes at the Portland International Jetport, where two hijackers started their day on Sept. 11.
Portland Police Chief Michael Chitwood said the gun incident was referred to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Dyson's opinions are not shared by everyone in the Islamic community.
"Such inflammatory statements are a direct affront to the innocent victims of September 11th, their families, the local Muslim community and every peace-loving citizen in this great nation," the Islamic Society of Portland said in a statement Monday.