CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The Islamic Society of Boston mosque in Cambridge is where the suspected Marathon bombers worshiped, and it's now being reported that the Stoughton man believed to be tied to ISIS went there as well.
In a new report, the New York Post raises questions about a Cambridge mosque and some of its former members. According to the post, eight people linked to terrorism have been known to worship there, including the man believed to be the new propaganda chief for ISIS.
Ahmad Abousamra, 32, is one of the fbi's most wanted terrorists, tied to the group responsible for beheading two American journalists including James Foley from Rochester, N.H.
Abousamra grew up in Stoughton and studied computer science at UMass Boston.
Before moving to Syria, the New York Post says he was a regular worshipper at the Islamic Society's mosque on Prospect Street in Cambridge, the same mosque suspected Boston Marathon bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev attended,
Both are believed to have been inspired by the attacks on 9/11
Abousamra is a computer scientist, and the FBI says he uses technology to help ISIS grow and recruit.
On Wednesday, President Obama is expected to announce to Congress the next stage in the fight against ISIS - also known as ISIL.
On Sunday, President Obama stressed that Wednesday's speech will not be an announcement about U.S. group troops, adding it would be a "profound mistake" to do so.
"We have, I believe, a broad-based coalition, internationally and regionally, to be able to deal with the problem."
President Obama says he expects Congress to support his plan to combat ISIS, and he stresses that the United States does not plan to go it alone.
FOX 25 reached out to the mosque for comment. Below is their full statement:
The Islamic Society of Boston unequivocally condemns ISIS and is deeply angered by the grievous harm it has done to innocent lives – American, Iraqi, Syrian, and more. We support our government's efforts to counter this extremist group and pray that God guides our government to pursue the most effective action.
The Islamic Society of Boston maintains a strong record of building bridges of faith, fellowship, and understanding with Christian, Jewish and other faith communities as well as our working relationship of mutual trust and respect with local, state and Federal public officials. We see Islam as compatible with the best of American values and care about our communities. At our centers we promote not only a deeper relationship with God but teach our members to be good neighbors and productive members of society
Yesterday, the New York Post published a sensationalist article about our mosque full of many half-truths and inaccuracies, which has unfortunately been used by other news agencies. The ISB was never contacted for a statement or even for verification. We would like to now clarify this issue.
In fact, according to our records, Ahmed Abousamra never came to or had any relationship with our mosque. Additionally, his father was never appointed to any leadership or board position at the mosque.
In regards to the other figures mentioned in the Post article, as far as we know, some of the people mentioned by the NYPost may have prayed at the Cambridge mosque at one time or another, just as they most likely shopped at grocery stores in Central Square, bought coffee from the nearby Dunkin Donuts and withdrew and deposited funds at local banks, activities they surely engaged in many more times than they prayed at the mosque. All Muslims are obligated to pray five times a day and the Cambridge mosque, like churches and synagogues, is open for worship for all people; no ID's are checked; no one is excluded.
Importantly, all of these individuals, if and when they prayed at the ISB mosque, were law abiding citizens and never exhibited any hint of criminal or violent sentiment. Like any other faith institution, if we were to ever observe any hint of criminal or violent behavior, we would immediately intervene and notify the authorities.
We are proud of our many contributions to the Greater Boston community and are deeply thankful for all the strong support we have received. We are humbled by the concern and support we have received from our community through many difficult times. Our community is Boston Strong. We stand united together and will not be divided. We look forward in continuing to be a valued part of this community for many decades to come.