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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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6

Mass. Terror Suspect an 'Incompetent Wannabe'

Mehanna and accomplice were turned away from training in Yemen, Pakistan

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(Newser) – The Massachusetts man arrested yesterday for plotting to shoot up a mall, kill US troops fighting overseas, and assassinate US officials didn’t really have a chance. Tarek Mehanna traveled to Yemen in search of terrorism training but couldn't find a camp. His alleged accomplice was turned away from Pakistani terror group Lashkar e Tayyiba for not being Pakistani, and from the Taliban for “lack of experience.”

“The people in Massachusetts were never in any danger,” an FBI agent tells the Boston Herald. Though the plotters were stymied at every turn by lack of access to weapons, training, and support, experts caution against underestimating the threat. Mehanna “may be an incompetent wannabe who expressed some sympathy with radical ideas,” a scholar tells the Boston Globe. “But just because of that, you can’t assume that a more serious act isn’t out there.”

Tarek Mehanna is seen outside the federal court in Boston.
Tarek Mehanna is seen outside the federal court in Boston.   (AP Photo)
This Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, booking photo released by the Sudbury, Mass., police department shows Tarek Mehanna, 27, of Sudbury.
This Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, booking photo released by the Sudbury, Mass., police department shows Tarek Mehanna, 27, of Sudbury.   (AP Photo)
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Loucks announces that Tarek Mehanna, 27, of Sudbury, Mass., has been charged with conspiring with others to plot terror attacks.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Loucks announces that Tarek Mehanna, 27, of Sudbury, Mass., has been charged with conspiring with others to plot terror attacks.   (AP Photo)
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These individuals took the initiative to travel to Yemen to go to a terrorist training camp. You only go to a terrorist training camp to learn to do one thing: to kill US citizens.
- Boston FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Warren T. Bamford

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6 comments
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stacysaw
Oct 22, 09 1:03 PM CDT
thank god. Reply
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alkaseltzersammich
Oct 22, 09 1:15 PM CDT
I guess his careerbuilder resume wasn't good enough. Reply
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Spudsy
Oct 22, 09 1:56 PM CDT
Lock him up forever. When he gets out he will be more trouble. Reply
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jamerican
Oct 22, 09 2:03 PM CDT
Give the muslim infidel a grenade and have him hold it in both hands and after if goes off if he lives or dies ship him to the taliban idiots with a note pinned to his chest which says, "I have experience now." Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
riffran
Oct 22, 09 7:44 PM CDT
@jamerican.....NIIIIIIIIIICE :) :)
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