A 24-year-old Colorado resident was indicted in a New York federal court Thursday on charges of conspiracy to use explosive bombs in the United States.
Najibullah Zazi, according to Justice Department documents, received “detailed bomb-making instructions in Pakistan, purchased components of improvised explosive devices, and traveled to New York City on September 10, 2009 in furtherance of his criminal plans. “¦ Zazi remained committed to detonating an explosive device up until the date of his arrest” according to the FBI.
FBI agents arrested Zazi last week on charges of lying to the FBI regarding a domestic and international terrorism case.
Zazi “”¦knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to use one or more weapons of mass destruction” the FBI reports.
A search of Zazi’s home computer turned up bomb-making instructions and frequent searches of hydrochloric acid, a highly corrosive mineral acid. He also allegedly purchased several items needed to produce Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP) a highly unstable‚ powder used in the July 2005 London bombings.
According to the FBI, Zazi and his companions purchased “unusually large amounts” of hydrogen peroxide and acetone products – both of which can be used to produce TATP.
Authorities also intercepted e-mail and text messages that showed Zazi had deep interests in acquiring bomb-making instructions.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, though optimistic, acknowledged the case is ongoing and the threat has not been completely curbed. “We believe any imminent threat arising from this case has been disrupted, but as always, we remind the American public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”
If convicted, Zazi faces life imprisonment.
The investigation is being conducted by the Denver and New York FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces, which include officers from more than 50 local, state and federal agencies.
Illinois man arrested
On a related note, 29-year-old Michael C. Finton of Illinois was arrested Thursday on charges of planning to bomb the federal building in Springfield, Illinois. Finton, also known as Talib Islam, actually tried to detonate a vehicular bomb earlier this year, however undercover agents rendered the bomb inactive before allowing him to set off on his mission.
Finton also faces life in prison is convicted.
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