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Mass. Man Busted on Terror Charges

Feds say 27-year-old was plotting attacks inside and outside US

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 21, 2009 9:25 AM CDT

(Newser) – Federal authorities arrested a 27-year-old man just outside of Boston today, saying he planned to attack a shopping mall with automatic weapons. The man, Tariq Mehanna, had been out on bail following an arrest last year for allegedly lying about the whereabouts of a man trained by al-Qaeda to fight the Somali government. He’s facing charges of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.

Authorities say he conspired with two other men, identifying one as Ahmad Abousamra, and that his arrest will foil attacks inside and outside the US. The conspirators allegedly had multiple conversations about the logistics of shooting up the mall, including possible attacks on emergency responders.

Tariq Mehanna is seen in this undated file photo.
Tariq Mehanna is seen in this undated file photo.
A couple walks through Boston Common past the Boston skyline in this file photo. The man was arrested in Sudbury, a suburb 20 miles West of Boston.
A couple walks through Boston Common past the Boston skyline in this file photo. The man was arrested in Sudbury, a suburb 20 miles West of Boston.   (AP Photo/Lisa Poole)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 14 comments
justme
Oct 22, 2009 12:12 PM CDT
Netstorm, Been watching too much TV? Actually, all these captured conspirators sre the result of the systems put in place by the last administration. Won't mention the name because certain folks go ballistic.
riffran
Oct 22, 2009 5:45 AM CDT
actually..this makes 23 terrorist plots stopped since 911....three since O took the office...it IS the result of a significant amount of time and effort, and dedication by people who's carrer has probably spanned more than one administration
cochiserocks
Oct 22, 2009 2:20 AM CDT
Assuming he's guilty and the evidence stands up - that's one awful waste of life averted and congratulations to the investigators on a result - must be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Glad they're on top of it on this occasion. They get enough shit when they get it wrong - so they deserve a clap when they score too.

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