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Muslim Professor Under Investigation For Alleged Link To Islamic State, But It Gets Much Worse

By Meaghan Ellis
Published on: 10:50 PST, Jan 22, 2016

A Muslim professor at Kent State University has come under fire for his alleged ties with the Islamic State (ISIS). According to New York Daily News, Julio “Assad” Pino is currently being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) after incriminating evidence reportedly suggested a possible connection to ISIS. However, that’s not all.

Not only is he being accused of being affiliated with the militant jihadist group, but the Kent State Muslim professor has also led investigators to believe he’s been working to recruit students to join ISIS. Julio Pino, who has been employed as a professor at Kent State since 1992, was a highly regarded instructor but his career reportedly took a disturbing turn when he converted to Islam back in 2000, according to Breitbart. Photos uploaded to Pino’s Facebook account reportedly captured jihadist terrorists but offered no explanation for the photo.

Back in 2011, Julio Pino was at the center of controversy for yelled “Death to Israel” during a presentation at the university featuring an Israeli diplomat. Although he was reprimanded for his actions, he was not terminated.

Despite the evidence that has officials skeptical of Julio Pino’s actions, he adamantly insists otherwise. According to Kent Wired, Pino defended himself during a recent interview. Julio Pino said he has no ties or affiliation with ISIS and he hasn’t broken any laws. In fact, he also denied that there is any type of criminal investigation going on.

“From a legal standpoint, I’m not aware that they’re going after me or charging me with anything,” he said. “I’m not aware of any kind of criminal investigation or charges or anything of that sort. I’ve not broken the law.

“I don’t advocate that anyone else break the law, so I’ll stand by that statement that I fulfill my duties as an American citizen by speaking out on issues that some people find controversial, of course, but no, I have not violated any laws that I’m aware of or that anyone has informed me of.”

“I’m sure there are stories circulating out there. People may take them with as much of a grain of salt as they want to, but my current status is that I’m a citizen of the United States with all the rights and obligations that entails,” he said. “I follow the law. I advocate that others do so also. And I ask others to respect my freedom of speech as I respect theirs.”

Although Julio Pino has said that he governs himself according to the laws in place in the United States, there are a number of questionable things about him that have surfaced. According to Mad World News, Julio Pino posted another photo on his Facebook page that raised speculation about his alleged affiliation with the terrorist group. This photo captures Pino standing in front of the United States capital. Most people would consider such a photo to be a common memorabilia captured by someone touring the Washington, D.C. area, but the comment Pino wrote below the photo is where the problem lies.

One of Julio Pino's Facebook profile pictures from 2012 captures him standing in front of our nation's capitol. Below the photo, he commented saying that he came "to bury D.C., not to praise it."
One of Julio Pino’s Facebook profile pictures from 2012 captures him standing in front of our nation’s capitol. Below the photo, he commented saying that he came “to bury D.C., not to praise it.” [Image via Mad World News Screen Capture]
There is a possibility the photo could be photoshopped, but that possibility has yet to be confirmed or denied. If the Facebook photo is confirmed to be authentic, Julio Pino could be a prime example of a “homegrown terrorist.” These people are particularly dangerous in the United States because they reportedly settle on American soil and infiltrate schools and workplaces under the guise of true American citizens. It has been reported that “homegrown terrorists” are slowly becoming a dominant force for ISIS to settle in the United States without alarming unassuming Americans.

On Thursday, Jan. 21, Julio Pino was allowed to return to the classroom despite the ongoing investigation, reports Cleveland-19. Do you think Julio Pino should be allowed to teach during the investigation? Share your thoughts.

[Image via YouTube Screen Capture]

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