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Obama Invites Teen Clock-Maker to White House After Arrest

From juvenile detention to the halls of power.
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President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton applaud during the 20th anniversary of the AmeriCorps national service program on the South Lawn of the White House, Sept. 12, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.Pete Souza

Ahmed Mohamed—the 14-year-old robotics enthusiast who was arrested for bringing a homemade clock to school after a teacher confused it for a bomb—has reason to celebrate today. Not only have local police in Irving, Texas, said they will not bring charges against the young technologist; now Mohamed's ingenuity has earned him an audience with President Obama.

Earlier today, the President added to the groundswell of support Mohamed has received on social media:

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Whether the White House will follow up on that offer is unclear. But President Obama isn't Mohamed's only high-powered supporter.

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In response to his followers, Mohamed Tweeted a heartfelt—and heartbreaking—message of his own:

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