President Obama Comes Out in Support of Teen Arrested for Homemade Clock


On Monday, a 14-year-old high school student in Texas was arrested for bringing a homemade clock to school. School and police officials sprung into action after they became convinced that Ahmed Mohamed’s clock was a hoax bomb, and actually arrested him—despite the teenager’s repeated insistence that his invention was just a clock. Many have taken to social media to lend their support to Mohamed, who remains suspended.

Joining the wave on Wednesday was none other than President Barack Obama, who just tweeted the following:

Obama’s comment joins a chorus of supporters, including Hillary Clinton, who earlier today tweeted for Ahmed to “stay curious and keep building.”

Republican presidential hopefuls, however, remain silent. So please, Jake Tapper, broach the topic during tonight’s GOP debate. As our own Kevin Drum explains, it might even give GOP candidates a shot at demonstrating that unlike their party’s current front-runner, “occasionally they care about obvious bigotry like this.” 

YOUR GIFT DOUBLES THROUGH FRIDAY

Right now, every dollar you give goes twice as far—but only until Friday’s midnight deadline. This is the moment to make your support count double.

In a climate where journalists face mounting pressure to back down, stay silent, or soften their reporting, Mother Jones refuses to flinch. We’re pushing back against intimidation and delivering fierce, independent journalism that holds power accountable—no matter who’s trying to silence us.

But here’s the reality: We’re a nonprofit newsroom with zero corporate backing and no financial cushion. We depend entirely on readers like you to fund the investigations that matter most.

Friday’s 2X match deadline is coming soon. We need you on the team right now. Please chip in and double your impact.

YOUR GIFT DOUBLES THROUGH FRIDAY

Right now, every dollar you give goes twice as far—but only until Friday’s midnight deadline. This is the moment to make your support count double.

In a climate where journalists face mounting pressure to back down, stay silent, or soften their reporting, Mother Jones refuses to flinch. We’re pushing back against intimidation and delivering fierce, independent journalism that holds power accountable—no matter who’s trying to silence us.

But here’s the reality: We’re a nonprofit newsroom with zero corporate backing and no financial cushion. We depend entirely on readers like you to fund the investigations that matter most.

Friday’s 2X match deadline is coming soon. We need you on the team right now. Please chip in and double your impact.

We Recommend

Latest

Sign up for our free newsletter

Subscribe to the Mother Jones Daily to have our top stories delivered directly to your inbox.

Get our award-winning magazine

Save big on a full year of investigations, ideas, and insights.

Subscribe

Support our journalism

Help Mother Jones' reporters dig deep with a tax-deductible donation.

Donate