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Full FBI Statement On Arrest Of Fed-a-Bomber Suspect Quazi Nafis, Who Worked "On Behalf Of al Qaeda"

Tyler Durden's picture




 

From The FBI:

Joint Terrorism Task Force Arrests Man in Lower Manhattan After He Attempted to Bomb New York Federal Reserve Bank
Defendant Attempted to Strike New York’s Financial District on Behalf of al Qaeda

U.S. Attorney’s Office October 17, 2012    

Eastern District of New York (718) 254-7000

BROOKLYN, NY—Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis (Nafis), 21, was arrested this morning in downtown Manhattan after he allegedly attempted to detonate what he believed to be a 1,000-pound bomb at the New York Federal Reserve Bank on Liberty Street in lower Manhattan’s financial district. The defendant faces charges of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and attempting to provide material support to al Qaeda.

The arrest of Nafis was the culmination of an undercover operation during which he was closely monitored by the FBI New York Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). The explosives that he allegedly sought and attempted to use had been rendered inoperable by law enforcement and posed no threat to the public.

The charges were announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; Mary E. Galligan, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Raymond W. Kelly, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD).

According to the criminal complaint filed today in the Eastern District of New York, defendant Nafis, a Bangladeshi national, traveled to the United States in January 2012 for the purpose of conducting a terrorist attack on U.S. soil. Nafis, who reported having overseas connections to al Qaeda, attempted to recruit individuals to form a terrorist cell inside the United States. Nafis also actively sought out al Qaeda contacts within the United States to assist him in carrying out an attack. Unbeknownst to Nafis, one of the individuals he attempted to recruit was actually a source for the FBI. Through the investigation, FBI agents and NYPD detectives working with the JTTF were able to closely monitor Nafis as he attempted to implement his plan.

The complaint alleges that Nafis proposed several targets for his attack, including a high-ranking U.S. official and the New York Stock Exchange. Ultimately, Nafis decided to conduct a bombing operation against the New York Federal Reserve Bank. In a written statement intended to claim responsibility for the terrorist bombing of the Federal Reserve Bank on behalf of al Qaeda, Nafis wrote that he wanted to “destroy America” and that he believed the most efficient way to accomplish this goal was to target America’s economy. In this statement, Nafis also included quotations from “our beloved Sheikh Osama bin Laden” to justify the fact that Nafis expected that the attack would involve the killing of women and children.

During the investigation, Nafis came into contact with an FBI undercover agent who posed as an al Qaeda facilitator. At Nafis’ request, the undercover agent supplied Nafis with 20 50-pound bags of purported explosives. Nafis then allegedly worked to store the material and assemble the explosive device for his attack. Nafis purchased components for the bomb’s detonator and conducted surveillance for his attack on multiple occasions in New York City’s financial district in lower Manhattan. Throughout his interactions with the undercover agent, Nafis repeatedly asserted that the plan was his own and was the reason he had come to the United States.

Earlier this morning, Nafis met the undercover agent and traveled in a van to a warehouse located in the Eastern District of New York. While en route, Nafis explained to the undercover agent that he had a “Plan B” that involved conducting a suicide bombing operation in the event that the attack was about to be thwarted by the police. Upon arriving at the warehouse, Nafis assembled what he believed to be a 1,000-pound bomb inside the van. Nafis and the undercover agent then drove to the New York Federal Reserve Bank. During this drive, Nafis armed the purported bomb by assembling the detonator and attaching it to the explosives. Nafis and the undercover agent parked the van next to the New York Federal Reserve Bank, exited the van, and walked to a nearby hotel. There, Nafis recorded a video statement to the American public that he intended to release in connection with the attack. During this video statement, Nafis stated, “We will not stop until we attain victory or martyrdom.” Nafis then repeatedly, but unsuccessfully, attempted to detonate the bomb, which had been assembled using the inert explosives provided by the undercover agent. JTTF agents arrested Nafis immediately after he attempted to detonate the bomb. Throughout the morning, federal, state, and local law enforcement officials, working with the JTTF, closely monitored the movements of Nafis as he attempted to implement the attack, including assuring that the van was not stopped by NYPD counterterrorism units active in lower Manhattan.

“As alleged in the complaint, the defendant came to this country intent on conducting a terrorist attack on U.S. soil and worked with single-minded determination to carry out his plan. The defendant thought he was striking a blow to the American economy. He thought he was directing confederates and fellow believers. At every turn, he was wrong, and his extensive efforts to strike at the heart of the nation’s financial system were foiled by effective law enforcement. We will use all of the tools at our disposal to stop any such attack before it can occur. We are committed to protecting the safety of all Americans, including the hundreds of thousands who work in New York’s financial district,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. “I would like to thank our partners at the FBI, NYPD, the other agencies who participate in the JTTF, and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division for their hard work on this important investigation. I would also like to thank the security teams at the New York Federal Reserve Bank and the New York Stock Exchange for their assistance.”

“As alleged in the criminal complaint, Rezwanul Nafis devised this attack plan himself and came to the United States for the purpose of carrying out such an attack. I thank all those responsible for ensuring that his alleged plans never came to fruition,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security Monaco.

FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Galligan stated, “Attempting to destroy a landmark building and kill or maim untold numbers of innocent bystanders is about as serious as the imagination can conjure. The defendant faces appropriately severe consequences. It is important to emphasize that the public was never at risk in this case, because two of the defendant’s ‘accomplices’ were actually an FBI source and an FBI undercover agent. The FBI continues to place the highest priority on preventing acts of terrorism.”

NYPD Commissioner Kelly stated, “Al Qaeda operatives and those they have inspired have tried time and again to make New York City their killing field. We are up to 15 plots and counting since 9/11, with the Federal Reserve now added to a list of iconic targets that previously included the Brooklyn Bridge, the New York Stock Exchange, and Citicorp Center. After 11 years without a successful attack, it’s understandable if the public becomes complacent. But that’s a luxury law enforcement can’t afford. Vigilance is our watchword now and into the foreseeable future. That’s why we have over 1,000 NYPD officers assigned to counterterrorism duties every day and why we built the domain awareness system. I want to commend the NYPD detectives and FBI agents of the Joint Terrorism Task Force for the work they did in the case and U.S. Attorney Lynch and her dedicated team in prosecuting it.”

The defendant has been charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2332a; and attempting to provide material support to al Qaeda, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2339B. His initial appearance is scheduled this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Roanne L. Mann, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys James P. Loonam and Richard M. Tucker, with assistance from Trial Attorney Bridget Behling of the Justice Department’s Counterterrorism Section.

The charges contained in the complaint are mere allegations. As in any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Defendant:

Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis
Age: 21
Jamaica, New York

 

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Wed, 10/17/2012 - 17:26 | 2899368 Pumpkin
Pumpkin's picture

Another created terrorist.  This serves two purposes.  It looks like there are terrorists out to do us "harm", and it makes the authorities look like that they might be able to foil a plot.  The last 20 of these or so has been some poor dumbass talked into this by the very people who "stopped" them.

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 17:34 | 2899387 blu
blu's picture

The moral of the story:

Stay away from Internet chat rooms.

Thu, 10/18/2012 - 04:12 | 2900308 Seer
Seer's picture

AND, don't have an account on Facebook! (any odds as to whether we'll ever discover if Zuckerberg is/was on the CIA payroll?)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFH3uLuNL5Y

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 17:28 | 2899370 Pumpkin
Pumpkin's picture

Damn double post!

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 17:34 | 2899391 DaylightWastingTime
DaylightWastingTime's picture

Why does the dog wag its tail?
Because the dog is smarter than the tail.
If the tail were smarter, it would wag the dog.

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 18:43 | 2899510 blu
blu's picture

Yes it would.

Eventually -- maybe even always -- it does.

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 17:58 | 2899435 Hangfire
Hangfire's picture

I am the only dyslexic in here that on first view read "Bomber suspect Nazi Quafis"?   

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 18:36 | 2899500 Trenchf00t
Trenchf00t's picture

Jesus, if you want to destroy America, hitting the Fed is the *last* thing one ought to do. The FRBNY is doing a better job destroying us than this fella ever could!

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 19:00 | 2899547 Onohymagin
Onohymagin's picture

What to do with the 1000lb of marzipan used in the sting?

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 19:09 | 2899560 toomanyfakecons...
toomanyfakeconservatives's picture

Who worked on behalf of al-CIAda? Bush Jr. Who was fingered by J. Edgar for the murder of JFK? Bush Sr. Who  worked on behalf of the Nazis? Daddy Bush. Case closed.

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 19:15 | 2899572 DavosSherman
DavosSherman's picture

Bernanke's bomb doesn't contain inert explosives, too bad the FBI couldn't fuck up his injet or swap his Ctrl+P keys with Alt+F4

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 19:35 | 2899598 The Gooch
The Gooch's picture

Straight from the desk of Stephanie Cutter.

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 20:03 | 2899643 caconhma
caconhma's picture

"he allegedly attempted to detonate what he believed to be a 1,000-pound bomb"

If he believed then somebody else built and gave him this bomb 1,000-pound bomb.

Did he carry this 1,000-pound bomb in his backpack?

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 20:17 | 2899659 djsmps
djsmps's picture

Other than they arrested someone, I don't believe a word of it. How long can't he FBI continue recycling the same terrorist conspiracy.

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 21:39 | 2899797 Tompooz
Tompooz's picture

FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Galligan stated, “Attempting to destroy a landmark building and kill or maim untold numbers of innocent bystanders is about as serious as the imagination can conjure."

 

That is why somebody's imagination "conjured" it. Revealing choice of words.

Thu, 10/18/2012 - 04:16 | 2900310 Seer
Seer's picture

Don't ya know, it's a "virtual world"...  Now, back to work at FarmVille for you!

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 21:43 | 2899805 yogibear
yogibear's picture

What terrorist? Everyone I know hates the Federal Reserve. No terror, party time!!

F the Federal Reserve banksters. Most of the population would be cheering if they forcefully got rid of the Federal Reserve.

How about all those elderly that would be partying with the Fed gone! The guy would be a hero.

 

 

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 21:57 | 2899848 jonjon831983
jonjon831983's picture

Fast n Furious.

 

What's scary is they have the power to shape and twist what the target does...

 

Dunno, I guess this person was purposely looking to do this type of action, but what if he was actually able to be discouraged instead?

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 21:58 | 2899849 Bohm Squad
Bohm Squad's picture

Can't believe no one has coined him a nickname yet!

 

Here:  The Quasi Bomber

 

Now I want a nickel everytime it's used.

 

 

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 22:10 | 2899881 americanspirit
americanspirit's picture

High Fives all around for another hyped event to justify increasing the "Homeland" security budget. Anybody else notice that we never, and I mean never, hear about any real threats intercepted? Does this mean that there aren't any, or that TPTB think we cant handle the anxiety.

"We actually intercept real threats all the time - we just can't tell you about them because it would compromise our security apparatus. So we only tell you about the bullshit non-threats that we set up to make ourselves look good."

Right.

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 23:49 | 2900087 stairmaster
stairmaster's picture

I've heard that the F.B.I didn't set him up, honest! now has lawyers assigned to groups of agents to insure everything is all legal like.  I just sleep better at night knowing the F. B. I can smell I cada from 6 thousand miles! has a perfect record!!!!! The C.I.A. should be taking notes, then they wouldn't screw up stuff like that Libya thing.

Thu, 10/18/2012 - 00:45 | 2900151 EconoIdiot
EconoIdiot's picture

I am so glad they stopped this mad-man,  he could of caused alot of damage and harmed innocent people with his fake bomb supplied by the experts in this field.

Thu, 10/18/2012 - 01:49 | 2900208 Questan1913
Questan1913's picture

Is it surprising that the State security apparatus, a malevolent organ of deceit, deception, repression and intimidation is itself crafting terrorist schemes replete with fake explosives and suitable targets and then going through its voluminous communication intercepts looking for a suitable immature or low IQ fall guy to entrap and then imprison for the rest of his life?  Their inability to uncover a single terrorist plot and the fact that there has not been even one significant attack in eleven years cannot be allowed to stand.  The American people have to be brought to the realization that "WE ARE AT WAR" and our enemies are numerous, implacable and fanatically bent on our total destruction.  Sadly this continues to play very well here in America.  This might be a good time to reread "1984" again for the umpteenth time; it never fails to provide new insights into everything taking place in the US today and the tactics of totalitarian police states such as the one we live in.

 

Thu, 10/18/2012 - 04:18 | 2900311 Seer
Seer's picture

Not surprising at all...

BTW - Watch the movie "Brazil."

Thu, 10/18/2012 - 02:44 | 2900248 Ghordius
Ghordius's picture

"The defendant faces charges of attempting to use a Weapon of Mass Destruction and ...etc... al Qaeda."  Interesting, now a 1,000-pound bomb is a WMD?

In europe we still regularly find buried, unexploded WWII bombs of this size, like under a parking lot that I used for a couple of years.

I find it very strange that this kind of charge can be set up with a straight face and go unnoticed.

Thu, 10/18/2012 - 04:22 | 2900313 Seer
Seer's picture

I noted this up-thread.

Initially only nukes were classed as WMD.

Given that "it's the thought that counts" I suspect that "thought" will one day be classed as "WMD."

God/Mother Nature save us...

Thu, 10/18/2012 - 08:37 | 2900570 Martel
Martel's picture

You should release him, and send him to Frankfurt. ECB headquarters in dire need of some "quantitative easing".

Thu, 10/18/2012 - 08:47 | 2900598 mayavision2012
mayavision2012's picture

It appears that the "suspect" is a son of a banker. 

 

" A Bangladeshi man accused of trying to bomb the Federal Reserve building in New York City is a banker's son from a middle class neighborhood whose family members said Thursday that they were stunned by his arrest."

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/10/18/3055422/family-shocked-at-banglade...

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