Plans found on NYC plot suspect's computer

Yahoo ^

[Sub-Driver]

Plans found on NYC plot suspect's computer

By HUSSEIN DAKROUB, Associated Press Writer2 hours, 32 minutes ago

Lebanese authorities found maps and bombing plans on the personal computer of an al-Qaida suspect accused of plotting to attack New York train tunnels, a senior Lebanese official said.

Acting Interior Minister Ahmed Fatfat described the information found on Assem Hammoud's computer as "very important."

"It contained maps and bombing plans that were being prepared," Fatfat said in a local television interview.

Lebanese security officials told The Associated Press that they obtained "important information" from Hammoud's computer and CDs seized from his office at the Lebanese International University, where he taught economics.

"This information helped the investigators make Hammoud confess to his role in plotting a terror act in America," one official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case.

The FBI announced Friday that it had uncovered a plot to attack Hudson River tunnels that which carry more than 215,000 passengers each weekday between New York and New Jersey. U.S. officials said the plot involved at least eight people, including Hammoud. At least two besides Hammoud have been arrested, Lebanese officials said.

U.S. officials said the suspects hoped to pull off an attack involving "martyrdom and explosives" in October or November, but federal investigators working with six other countries intervened before the suspects could travel to the United States.

"We received information from the FBI in April about an attempt to plot a terror act in New York City through Internet communications in Lebanon," Fatfat said in the interview Saturday. "Based on this information, security forces acted and arrested Mr. Assem Hammoud."

Officials said Hammoud, 31, confessed to the plot, and to swearing allegiance to al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden.

[Sub-Driver]

another ROP type.............

[SandRat]

Verrrrry Interestink!!!!!

[Cinnamon]

wait.. were his rights observed in the process of invading this computer? was he wiretapped illegally?

[digger48]

The liberal spin is that they'd be too stupid to know how to use a computer.

[Marine_Uncle]

Good work by the Lebanese security forces. Another clown that will not have the chance to take the lives of innocent people.

[xkaydet65]

As a New Yorker I'm betting that some of these guys are here right now, and getting ready to run their operation. When the FBI agent in charge said this was the real deal I don't think he meant in the past tense. I think we're in a race to stop them as we speak.

[nopardons]

bttt

[jocko12]

Now hang the ones you have.You'll get more ragheads to replace the ones you hang.

[madprof98]

wait.. were his rights observed in the process of invading this computer? was he wiretapped illegally?

Yes, I sense a victim here!

[AnnaZ]

Lebanese security officials told The Associated Press that they obtained "important information" from Hammoud's computer and CDs seized from his office at the Lebanese International University, where he taught economics.

The only surprise is that he wasn't teaching here somewhere.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

Were they going to bomb the NYTimes? No

[no-to-illegals]

a method to their madness??

bet the 'un' was high on their target list /s

[Loyal Buckeye]

The liberal spin is that they'd be too stupid to know how to use a computer.

Or, to use Joe Biden's words, "These are not the brightest terrorists in the box."

[Godwin1]

We have too many targets. It's just impossible to protect them all, no matter how many extra cops we hire, no matter how much $$$$$$ the feds dole out to local jurisdictions.

The only FOOLPROOF way to prevent future attacks is to keep young foreign Muslims from coming here. NO MORE VISAS to such people. And heightened Homeland Security surveillance for those here now, with immediate deportation for those who fail to dot every "i" and cross every "t" Yes. the great majority may mean no harm. But our very survival is at stake and the innocent will have to be inconvenienced along with the guilty.

Of course it goes without saying that visa restrictions mean nothing if these bozos can simply walk across the north or south borders. So heightened border security is also key. Anyone in Congress or the White House listening?