Video: Columbus Attorney Speaks for Dakhlalla Family

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — A Columbus attorney is speaking for the family of the man accused of having ties with ISIS.

Dennis Harmon is their close friend, and is giving them legal advice right now.

“They look like two folks that had a two-by-four hit them right between the eyes, and they’re still shaking their head,” Harmon said.

Harmon has known Oda and Lisa Dakhlalla for more than 15 years.

He says they’re wonderful people, and were shocked to hear from the FBI about their son, Muhammad’s, arrest.

“Everything about them is quiet and peaceful,” Harmon said. “I’ve never even seen Mo roll his eyes if his father asked him to do something.”

Harmon claims Mo was a peaceful kid who grew up in Starkville, playing soccer and doing karate.

He still can’t believe the 22-year-old could ever be affiliated with a terrorist group.

“I don’t think they understood what ISIS was really about,” he said. “It’s definitely not anything that their father ever taught them.”

Harmon says the family is just coping the best way they can.

“They’re just learning how to deal with a son that’s in jail, and will stay there for awhile.

Harmon also told WCBI Muhammad lived with his parents, and they never saw a change in his behavior.

He was supposed to start grad school at Mississippi State University this week.