Obama sticks up for 14-year-old who was arrested for his homemade clock

 By 
Neha Prakash
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Hey Ahmed, you can let those haters know POTUS thinks your clock is "cool."

President Obama tweeted a message of support to Ahmed Mohamed, a 14-year-old Muslim boy from Texas who was arrested when a teacher mistook a clock Mohamed had built for a bomb. In the tweet, Obama compliments Mohamed's work and invites him to the White House.

Cool clock, Ahmed. Want to bring it to the White House? We should inspire more kids like you to like science. It's what makes America great.— President Obama (@POTUS) September 16, 2015

Obama's message is reflective of his administration's effort to inspire and showcase young peoples’ science research, most notably through annual science fairs, which have featured the president interacting with a marshmallow gun as well as other memorable scenes.

The president and his chief science adviser, John Holdren, frequently speak out about the importance of fostering more students who are focused on studying in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Mohamed's case was dropped and closed on Wednesday after the Irving Police Department found no evidence of intent to create harm. Social media rallied behind Mohamed shortly after, tweeting supportive messages with the hashtag #IStandWithAhmed, drawing responses from numerous prominent figures -- one being Hillary Clinton.

Assumptions and fear don't keep us safe—they hold us back. Ahmed, stay curious and keep building. https://t.co/ywrlHUw3g1— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) September 16, 2015

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