Yes, it is unfortunately. The kid couldn't explain why he just made a clock to show his teachers. So their assumption is that anyone making an electronic device must be up to no good.

"Irving police might still charge Ahmed with making a "hoax bomb." Police spokesperson James McLellan said Ahmed "kept maintaining it was a clock" when he was brought in for interrogation, but that he offered "no broader explanation.""

Somewhat related, for a little sense of perspective. I studied E/E in Northern Ireland in the early 90's. I was regularly stopped by armed British Soldiers and searched. Invariably I have some half finished project in my bag. Could easily be passed off as bomb material. All it took was a simple explanation and I was on my way in 5 minutes.

This was a place where actual bombs were being set off on a weekly basis. But, the 'keep calm and carry on' mentality is what persevered. The US seems like it's becoming more of a Police State than N.I. ever was.

Sorry if I was unclear; I mean that's what they seem to be doing. That's why I prefaced my comment with "apparently".

In law there is a thing called mens rea. They should look that up.

It's supposed to be sarcastic.

These topics bring the tin foil wearers out in droves. No, the government isn't cracking down on the intelligence of youth, it requires it to progress and grow. I don't recall any black SUVs outside my door when I built an alarm clock that had selective electronic outputs for my school project. Hell, my teachers docked marks because I didn't take it far enough and they felt I could add more features and better design.