Boston-Area Man Accused of Conspiracy to Attack Shopping Malls

A 27-year-old man living in suburban Boston has been charged with conspiring to attack shopping malls, two members of the executive branch and American service members in Iraq.

The suspect, Tarek Mehanna, was charged with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, according to the New York Times and the Associated Press. The two executive branch officials allegedly targeted were not identified; they are no longer in office.

Prosecutors said Mehanna was unable to obtain the automatic weapons needed to carry out a mall attack, and was turned down when he sought training at terrorist camps.

Mehanna graduated last year from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, where his father is a professor. Neighbors told the Boston Globe they were shocked to learn of the allegations, and Mehanna appeared neighborly and normal.