Guilty Plea in Times Square Bomber Case
Although Pakistan-born U.S. citizen Faisal Shahzad entered a guilty plea to an attempted Times Square bombing he was unapologetic for his actions.
Calling himself a "Muslim soldier," car bomber suspect Faisal Shahzad entered a guilty plea to 10 terrorism and weapons counts, some of which carry mandatory life sentences, the New York Times reports.
In court the 30-year-old Times Square car bomber suspect described himself as, "part of the answer to the U.S. terrorizing the Muslim nations and the Muslim people," and admitted receiving training to build a bomb to wage an attack on the U.S.
As previously discussed, Faisal Shahzad is accused of attempting to set off a car bomb and considered other targets in and around New York City area before the failed attack.
In addition, he has admitted his role in the failed attempt to explode a car bomb in Manhattan's theater district in the heart of Times Square.
He was arrested while on board a flight bound for Dubai that was taxiing away from the gate at Kennedy Airport.
It is unknown how the alleged car bomber was able to board the flight with a last-minute ticket despite being hunted by the FBI and being placed on the federal no-fly list.
Shahzad was not known to the U.S. intelligence community before the failed bombing attempt.
According to the Department of Justice, Faisal Shahzad faces charges of conspiracy and attempt to use a weapon of mass destruction, conspiracy and attempt to commit international terrorism.
According to the indictment, Faisal Shahzad received $5,000 in cash from a co-conspirator in Pakistan and $7,000 more allegedly sent at the co-conspirator's direction.
The money was channeled through an underground money transfer network known as "hawala," federal authorities said.
- Alleged Car Bomber Faisal Shahzad Faces Terrorism Charges (FindLaw's Blotter)
- Car Bomber Suspect Faisal Shahzad Eyed Other Targets (FindLaw's Blotter)
- Federal Bill Would Revoke Citizenship of Terrorists (FindLaw's Blotter)
- Crim Law Information Center (provided by Wood, Rabil & Peake, LLP)
- Criminal Defense FAQ (provided by Tonda Curry & Associates)