Active Terror Cell Prepared NYC Attack, Officials Say

[sabra]

Source: ABC News

Authorities Believe After Three Arrests in Alleged Terror Plot, Others Still Out There

Sept. 21, 2009—

After overnight arrests this weekend in the alleged New York terror plot, FBI agents believe an active terror cell directed by al Qaeda was preparing an attack on New York City, and authorities say they have yet to identify everyone involved.

Officials say they do not have specifics on the potential targets of the alleged plot, and with so much still unknown, security in New York has been heightened.

On Saturday night, agents in Denver arrested Najibullah Zazi, a 24-year old airport shuttle driver, who authorities say appears to be the ringleader of the alleged plot, as well as Zazi's father, Mohammed.

They are charged with lying to federal agents during an investigation into the alleged terror plot that has been described as "the real deal" by authorities. Father and son are due to make their first court appearances in Denver Monday.

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/active-terror-cell-prepared-nyc-attack-officials/story?id=8628780

[maddezmom]

1. NYT: Lawyer Defends Imam Arrested in Terror Inquiry

Ahmad Wais Afzali had for years been a popular imam in Queens. First at one mosque, and then at others, he had become known for his moving sermons. He also ran a funeral home, and won praise for helping families deal with their grief.

He was also a source of information for local and federal authorities on the alert for any criminal activity. A good citizen, his lawyer called him.

And so this month, Mr. Afzali was approached by law enforcement officials concerned that a terror suspect had unexpectedly driven to Queens from Colorado. Over time, Mr. Afzali had phone conversations with the suspect, Najibullah Zazi, a 24-year-old former food-cart vendor who had grown up in Queens.

Those phone calls and others, court records show, included talk of the interest in Mr. Zazi among law enforcement officials and the possibility that he might be picked up by the authorities. They included mentions of what was happening in Afghanistan and Pakistan. One conversation involved talk of “evidence.”

The imam’s lawyer said he was merely trying to help the authorities. But on Saturday night, federal officials arrested Mr. Afzali, 37, effectively claiming that their onetime source of assistance had betrayed them by tipping off Mr. Zazi, and then lying to them about it.

more:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/21/nyregion/21imam.html?hp

[mike_c]

2. this whole affair stinks to high heaven....

It sounds like the usual rampant paranoia. Terrorists under every bed! Terror! Terror! Terror!

[musette_sf]

3. not so sure this time

this does not seem like the usual bunch of "gang who couldn't shoot straight" small-time wannabes that Bu$hCo trotted out every time they needed to put the BOOGA BOOGA out for personal gain.

[tekisui]

5. It's the new and improved boogey men.

Now, with more fear!

[musette_sf]

6. we shall see

[tekisui]

4. Yep. Be afraid, be very afraid.

We still have to fight them over there, and fight them here. Terrorists are out to get YOU! Long love the Afghan War!:puke:

[Doremus]

16. No, this one sounds more plausible.

In fact if you read the back story of the 9/11 perps it reads much like this one.

No skin head teenagers with a book on bomb making.

[RedSock]

7. "WOLF!" (eom)

[FarCenter]

8. This one looks real, but they moved prematurely

For some reason the moved against the suspects before they had time to identify the specific targets and procedures to be used.

Maybe someone's cover was blown?

[tk2kewl]

10. Just in time for it to be an issue in NYC mayoral race? n/t

:shrug:

[frog92969]

9. Yeah, yeah, yeah

I love Big Brother

[whathehell]

11. Unless you've got some concrete reason to disbelieve the story

I'd suggest you roll back the cynicism and be of open mind..I mean, it's not like we've NEVER had a problem with Al Queda -- especially in New York.:eyes:

[leftynyc]

12. Thank You

I'm not happy how people on this board make light of every story like this. This city has a target on its back, has already been hit badly and still has many more "famous" landmarks.

[TheWatcher]

14. We haven't. You just choose to believe everything that Bush's Government told you about that last

"run in" we had with Them.

As for NYC having a target on it's back, it might be a good idea to understand who the REAL terrorists are, instead of looking in caves and whatever sensationalist "Boogeyman" hyperbole the Media sells you (Fake Tapes, Al Queda #2 has been caught, killed, captured, etc. (for the #4367th time)

And then ask yourself why this current administration refuses to hold anyone from the previous dictatorship accountable for their crimes.

Oh, but I know, nothing exists, nothing is real, everything the Government says on any subject is the truth, Government loves you and would never lie, Praise Marty Moose.

Americans are the most Propagandized, lied to people on Earth.

And for the most part, they seem to love it, or simply not give a shit.

You want all this to stop?

Start holding those who create it accountable.

Otherwise, we have no choice but to deal with it.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

15. You keep using that word, "dictatorship."

I do not think it means what you think it means.

[Earth_First]

13. BOO!