Suspect in Failed NY Bomb Attack Charged
VOA News04 May 2010
U.S. authorities have charged a Pakistani-born U.S. citizen with terrorism and attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction in the failed Times Square bombing.
Thirty-year-old Faisal Shahzad was charged Tuesday in a five-count complaint, one day after he was arrested while trying to leave New York on a flight for Dubai. Authorities say he has admitted to receiving explosives training in Pakistan.
Investigators are also examining how Shahzad managed to board the flight, even though his name had been placed on a no-fly list hours before he was arrested.
Deputy FBI Director John Pistole says the suspect has been cooperating with authorities and has provided them with valuable information.
Earlier, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder called the attempted attack a "terrorist plot aimed at murdering Americans."
Law enforcement officials say the suspect claims to have acted alone. But they say they are investigating the possibility that others might be involved.
Pakistan intelligence officials say at least one person with ties to the bomb plot has been arrested in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi. Attorney General Holder said he could not confirm that information.
The central piece of evidence in the case is the vehicle that was discovered in Times Square packed with fireworks, propane tanks, gasoline, fertilizer and timers.
U.S. President Barack Obama told a meeting of business leaders in Washington Tuesday that Americans "will not be terrorized" and "will not cower in fear."
FBI agents Tuesday searched Shahzad's home in the eastern U.S. state of Connecticut. Officials say he recently returned from a trip to Pakistan.
The Taliban in Pakistan claimed responsibility for the failed attack, but police in New York say there is no evidence to support that claim.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg told reporters that he will not tolerate any "bias or backlash against Pakistani or Muslim New Yorkers."
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.
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