http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/dpgo_FBI_Man_Planned_to_Bomb_Dalla_3690161
FBI: Man Planned to Bomb Dallas BuildingPublished : Thursday, 24 Sep 2009, 5:32 PM CDT
* By Tracy DeLatte, myFOXdfw.com Staff
Mosam Maher Husein Smadi was arrested for trying to blow up a skyscraper in Downtown Dallas.
Fountain Place in Downtown Dallas
DALLAS - Dallas FBI agents arrested a Jordanian citizen Thursday afternoon for attempting to bomb a skyscraper in Downtown Dallas.
According to the bureau, 19-year-old Mosam Maher Husein Smadi was arrested and charged for attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction.
Smadi had been under continuous FBI surveillance and was arrested after he allegedly placed an inactive car bomb near Fountain Place, a 60-story glass office tower located at 1445 Ross Avenue, the FBI said.
* Read the affidavit for Smadi's arrest. (PDF)
According to a press release, Smadi is in the United States illegally and had been living and working in Italy, Texas.
"He has repeatedly espoused his desire to commit violent Jihad and has been the focus of an undercover FBI investigation," the release states.
Undercover agents posing as members of an al-Qaida sleeper cell were introduced to him and they said he made clear his intention to serve as a soldier for Osama Bin Ladin and al-Qaida. He told them he came to the country specifically to comit violent Jihad "for the sake of God."
The agents meeting with Smadi said they at one point tried to discourage him from violence.
According to the arrest warrant affidavid, Smadi said in his native Arabic language, "Oh my brothers! O how I love, my brothers, to perform Jihad with you in the same rank, in the same field, against the enemy. I have chosen to be a Mujahid with my self, blood, soul and body. [That is] more precious to me than this world and its money, women and amusements. By God, I shall support Osama, Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi, al-Rantisi and all who performed Jihad in this world."
In late August, Smadi allegedly met with the undercover agents and discussed the logistics and timing of the attack. He stated he would have preferred to do the attack on Sept. 11, but decided to wait until after the month of Ramadan, which ended this past weekend, the FBI said.
At the conclusion of the meeting, FBI agents said they secretly ensured Smadi had only an inactive explosive device which contained no explosive materials.
The arrest is not related to recent events in Colorado, New York or Springfield, according to the FBI. Investigations determined he was not associated with other terrorist organizations.
"The highest priority of the FBI and the Department of Justice remains the prevention of another terrorist attack within the United States," said James T. Jacks, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. "In that effort, it is the job of the FBI to locate and identify individuals intent upon carrying out any type of attack upon this country and its citizens/residents."
In a statement to the media, Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert said he was aware of situation.
"Clearly, this is a troubling sign of the world we all live in today and we are extremely grateful for the vigilance of the FBI. We have a strong working relationship with FBI officials, and they have kept us informed of their investigation. Thanks to their efforts, no one was ever in any danger," he said.
If convicted, Smadi faces up to life in prison.