Yesterday the FBI arrested Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, 20, a student from Saudi Arabia majoring in business at South Plains College in Lubbock, Texas, and charged him with trying to detonate a weapon of mass destruction at a number of targets, including NYC. Investigators say Aldawsari sent himself an email with a link to real-time traffic cameras in NYC, and he allegedly sent himself an e-mail titled "Tyrant’s House," in which he listed the Dallas address for former President George W. Bush. Aldawsari is not believed to be associated with Al-Qaeda, but allegedly wrote in his journal that he wanted to create a new terrorist group that he would lead.
"I excelled in my studies in high school in order to take advantage of an opportunity for a scholarship to America," Aldawsari allegedly wrote, referring to a scholarship offered by the Saudi Arabian government. "And now, after mastering the English language, learning how to build explosives, and continuous planning to target the infidel Americans, it is time for Jihad." Electronic surveillance also found an e-mail he allegedly sent to himself that said, "One operation in the land of the infidels is equal to ten operations against occupying forces in the land of the Muslims." Investigators say Aldawsari also maintained this blog, much of it in Arabic, that discusses such topics as martyrdom and where to buy, and how "to pimp," a good car.
The feds say they were tipped off to Aldawsari's plans at the beginning of the month when a chemical supplier in North Carolina reported a suspicious attempted purchase of concentrated phenol by a man identifying himself as Khalid Aldawsari. According to the affidavit, "phenol is a toxic chemical with legitimate uses, but can also be used to make the explosive trinitrophenol, also known as T.N.P., or picric acid." Aldawsari allegedly e-mailed himself instructions for producing phenol, as well as instructions on how to turn a cell-phone into a remote detonator. And in December, he allegedly purchased concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids. Other items the feds say he purchased: a gas mask, a Hazmat suit, a soldering iron kit, glass beakers and flasks, wiring, a stun gun, clocks and a battery tester.
Aldawsari is expected to appear in Federal court in Texas tomorrow morning. If convicted of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
