From Eric Dondero, Houston:
In what may be the first attempted Islamic Terrorist attack in the State of Texas, self-proclaimed Jihadist Hosam Maher Husein Smadi was arrested by the FBI today in downtown Dallas. According to various sources, Smadi was "attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction." His target was the Fountain Place skyscraper, headquarters for Wells Fargo Bank.
The arrest comes amid increased threat levels for a possible terrorist attack issued by DHS for New York City and other major US cities. It also comes one week after a major bust of a suspected Terrorist ring out of Denver, headed by Afghani Najibullah Zazi. The Denver suspect, an airport worker, had traveled to New York City the day before 9/11 2009.
From the Dallas Morning News:
Hosam Maher Husein Smadi was arrested in Dallas after authorities said he planned to commit "violent Jihad" in support of Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda. Federal authorities confirmed that Smadi had been under surveillance, after voicing his interest in "self Jihad" activities.
The FBI had been in communication with Smadi through extremist chat rooms, and police officials said in statements that Smadi had scoped numerous targets throughout Dallas.
“In the name of God, the Gracious and the Merciful, this is my vow to you, my brother, that I am ready,” Smadi allegedly told undercover FBI agents, according to The Dallas Morning News. “And if you were a lover of Jihad as I am, then, by God, I am ready for the Jihadi life.”
Smadi lived in the small town of Italy, Texas, 40 miles directly south of Dallas.
More information From WFAA Dallas:
Smadi planned on using a vehicle improvised explosive device (VBIED) to bomb Fountain Place at the end of Ramadan, which is September 20, authorities said.
With 60 floors, Fountain Place is the fifth tallest building in Dallas and the 15th tallest building in Texas.
Developing...
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