Chattanooga Shooter Called The ISIS A ‘Stupid Group,’ Was Against America’s War On Terror

In new revelations unearthed by investigating agencies, Chattanooga shooter Mohammed Abdulazeez reportedly termed the ISIS a “stupid group.” He also termed the group anti-Islamic and was against its ideologies. According to a CNN report, this new facet about the Chattanooga shooter’s personality was revealed by one of his friends. The man, identified as James Petty, also added that he and Abdulazeez would go out in the woods to practice with an AR-15 assault rifle. In fact, it was Abdulazeez who taught the man to use the rifle.

Meanwhile, it is also being reported that a series of writings allegedly penned by the Chattanooga shooter himself have been recovered by investigating agencies. The writings also indicate that he was displeased with the U.S. government and its war on terror. The writings, all believed to be well over a year old, are from before the shooter’s visit to Jordan, where many people believe he was radicalized.

The initial investigation seems to point towards the fact that his writings were consistent with someone who is having suicidal thoughts, the CNN report claims.

Several new previously unknown facts have emerged in the investigations following the Chattanooga attack that happened last Thursday. These include the shooter’s family members claiming that Abdulazeez suffered from depression, which they believe to be the cause behind their son’s violent behavior. In a statement released over the weekend, the family expressed their sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims.

“Abdulazeez suffered from depression and was not the son we knew and loved. We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the honorable service members and police officers who were victims of the shooting our son committed on Thursday.”

The Chattanooga shooter was also reportedly abusing drugs for some time, including “party drugs” and marijuana. This was revealed by a friend of the family. In fact, the situation was so bad that Abdulazeez’s family kept calling him to check his whereabouts.

One of the most important revelations was the fact that the shooter had made a trip to Jordan last year. This was a family arranged trip allegedly made to keep Abdulazeez away from drugs and other “bad influences.” Agencies suspect there was a probability that he was radicalized during this visit to the Middle East.

Relatives and friends also told investigators that there were major changes in the Chattanooga shooter’s behavior after his return from Jordan. He had also sent a text message in Arabic to one of his friends just before he embarked on the shooting.

The text read, “Whoever shows enmity to a friend of mine, then I have declared war against him.”

That said, there is still no evidence pointing towards the fact that the Chattanooga shooter had any connections with an Islamic group. However, it has also yet to be proven that his actions were the result of his mental condition.

[Image via Heavy]