Ex-terror convict, Hamas-linked scholar picked as Trump's advisors: Report

A man with a documented history of terrorism-related activities, including ties to the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and another individual facing terror-related allegations, have been appointed to the White House Advisory Board under the Donald Trump administration, according to an investigation by a US-based journalist.

Ismail Royer, a former convict in terrorism cases, and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, co-founder of California's Zaytuna College, were named to the White House Advisory Board of Lay Leaders, raising concerns about the Trump administration’s vetting process for such appointments, investigative journalist Laura Loomer reported.

Royer’s past reportedly includes propaganda efforts, involvement in firing at Indian positions in Kashmir, and alleged links to the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Yusuf also has alleged links to terror organisations, including Hamas and, according to reports, he has been charged by India’s Investigation Agency (NIA).

WHO IS ISMAIL ROYER?

Royer, born Randall Todd Royer, is an American convert to Islam with a known history of involvement in militant Islamist networks. Loomer's report claims he was associated with LeT, Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, the Palestinian group Hamas, and the so-called “Virginia Jihad Network.” In 2000, Royer allegedly travelled to Pakistan to train at an Islamist terror camp, reinforcing what Loomer describes as his commitment to violent jihadist ideologies.

"A literal Muslim Brotherhood HAMAS jihadist named Ismail Royer who was found by the DOJ to have travelled to Pakistan to train in a terrorist camp and who was part of the Virginia Jihadi Network that trained Islamic terrorists to attack America & was investigated by the FBI is now on the White House Advisory Board of Lay Leaders that was ANNOUNCED TODAY!," the journalist tweeted, sharing details of her findings.

In 2003, Royer was indicted on terrorism-related charges, including conspiracy to wage war against the United States and providing material support to al-Qaeda and Lashkar. He pleaded guilty in 2004 to aiding and abetting the use of firearms and explosives, and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He served 13 years before being released in 2017. According to the report, court documents confirm his role in facilitating others’ access to LeT training camps and supporting Taliban operations.

"Post-9/11, Royer was a key figure in the "Virginia Jihad Network," organising paintball training and facilitating travel to LeT camps for weapons training, with some members aiming to support the Taliban against US forces. His guilty plea in 2004 acknowledged facilitating others’ access to LeT training and supporting Taliban efforts," the journalist mentioned, adding,"It’s the latest example of the White House vetting crisis".

However, announcing the appointment, the White House described him as the "Director of the Islam and Religious Freedom Action Team for the Religious Freedom Institute".

"Since converting to Islam in 1992, he has studied religious sciences with traditional Islamic scholars and spent over a decade working at non-profit Islamic organisations. Royer has worked with nonprofits to promote peace between faiths. His writing has appeared in multiple publications and he co-authored an article on Islam on Religious Violence Today: Faith and Conflict in the Modern World," it added.

WHO IS SHAYKH HAMZA YUSUF?

Hamza Yusuf is a co-founder of Zaytuna College, which teaches Sharia Law. Reports suggest that Yusuf has downplayed the true definition of jihad and has alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas.

Highlighting concerns regarding Yusuf's past statements, the journalist pointed out that two days before the 9/11 attacks, Yusuf reportedly spoke at a fundraiser for Jamil al-Amin, who was on trial for the murder of a police officer.

During one of his speeches, Yusuf allegedly described the United States as a racist country and implied that al-Amin was wrongly accused. Al-Amin was subsequently convicted of murder. Reports also indicate that Yusuf publicly questioned the fairness of the trial of Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman, who was convicted in connection with the 1990s New York landmark bombings.

Following the 9/11 attacks, the FBI reportedly questioned Yusuf regarding his past pro-jihad remarks, indicating that he was considered a potential threat during that critical period, the journalist mentioned.

The White House has yet to issue an official statement addressing the concerns raised by these appointments.

The White House Advisory Board of Lay Leaders is a body under the Religious Liberty Commission, which is one of three advisory groups tasked with advising the Trump administration on matters related to religious freedom and faith-based policies.