Student cleared of abduction charges

George Mason University announced on March 16 that they have dropped their charges against Abdirashid Dahir for alleged abduction. The school plans to continue reviewing the case through their own Judicial Affairs process. Dahir told Connect2Mason that he is “really happy with how things have turned out in the end,” and that “everyone at Mason really is great, this is just a small case of a few people messing up that exploded to something bigger than it should be.”

This story began on March 8 when Dahir, a senior, found himself in a conflict with an unidentified woman who allegedly occupied his study room in Fenwick Library.

After a verbal altercation with the woman, Mason police asked Dahir to leave the library, and later arrested him in his common room for alleged abduction.

The University also announced that they will undergo an external and impartial review of the actions taken by University Officers.

“…the university will engage in an external investigation to conduct a thorough and impartial analysis of the actions taken by university police officers related to the incident that led to Dahir’s arrest on a felony charge. At the appropriate time the findings of this investigation will be made public. Thousands voiced their concern for the students at the center of this event during the past week. While this has been a difficult experience, the university is proud of its diverse and engaged students and alumni, who chose to speak out and get involved,” said the press release.

“This is a serious matter and we intend to thoroughly review the actions of all the parties involved in this incident. George Mason University embraces diversity and inclusiveness, and will not tolerate actions inconsistent with this core value,” said University Vice President Maurice Scherrens.

Mason Police declined a Freedom of Information Act request for records regarding the incident. Mason Police also continually declined to comment on the case.

For more background information, past stories or to read all press releases and comments regarding the incident visit Connect2Mason.com.