The suicide bomber was once just a lonely Minnesota teen

Regarding Shirwa Ahmed, "the Minnesota suicide bomber," did anyone step back and think about the person for a moment (Star Tribune, May 3)? I believe people are just seeing his act of violence and the 20 deaths. This man, like many others, was a victim of conformity. Instead of doing drugs or listening to a certain type of music, he spent his time worshipping at the mosque. It sounds like he was a loner through high school, and when he finally found a group of people he could call "friends," there was no limit to his loyalty. I do not believe what he did was right or should be justified in any way, but it is amazing how powerful social influence can be. SADIE MCGREGOR, MINNEAPOLIS