Secret Service agent admits anti-Islam graffiti

DETROIT, Michigan (CNN) -- A Secret Service agent has admitted writing "Islam is evil, Christ is King" on a Muslim prayer calendar while searching the Detroit home of Omar Shishani, federal authorities announced Thursday.

Shishani was indicted Wednesday for entering the United States with $12 million in counterfeit cashier's checks.

The agent, who was not named, came forward Tuesday after Shishani's family complained to the news media and Arab-American groups about the slurs.

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He was taken to headquarters in Washington Wednesday morning and interviewed by the agency's office of inspection.

After the initial interview, he was placed on administrative leave. Pending the completion of the investigation, further action will follow.

The Secret Service says it "does not and will not tolerate racial, cultural, or religious bias. The Secret Service regrets the unprofessional action taken by this individual agent."

The agent could face suspension or possible termination and may face criminal charges for a civil rights violation.

The Secret Service contacted the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's office in the eastern district of Michigan immediately upon finding out about the violation. The Secret Service investigates allegations of counterfeiting.

The Jordanian-born Shishani was arrested July 17. Authorities say they found nine phony cashier's checks in his bags.

Shishani

He was initially picked up because his name had appeared on a U.S. watch list. His name matched a name found during al Qaeda raids in Afghanistan.

Shishani told investigators he could provide information about terrorism and that his business associate, to whom the checks were made out, could belong to al Qaeda.

Shishani pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. He is being held without bond.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations applauded the swift action against the agent.

"We are pleased that authorities took such swift action in both investigating this incident and in dealing with the agent involved," said CAIR communications coordinator Hodan Hassan.

"We hope this sends a signal to the law enforcement community that such bigoted behavior will not be tolerated.