'Lone Wolf' Saudi, Studying in Texas, Is Charged in Alleged Explosives Plot
When a Saudi man studying chemical engineering in Texas allegedly ordered certain items that can be used to make explosives, workers at two different suppliers became suspicious.
Both notified authorities on Feb. 1. Today the U.S. Department of Justice announced a criminal case against the college student, Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, who is in the country legally on a student visa, reports the Associated Press.
“After mastering the English language, learning how to build explosives and continuous planning to target the infidel Americans, it is time for jihad,” the suspect wrote in a private journal, court documents allege.
Articles in the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post offer additional details.
The 20-year-old suspect is accused of mulling over various potential targets, including the Dallas home of former president George W. Bush. Although he reportedly may have indicated that he was inspired by al-Qaida, the Los Angeles Times says he is considered to be a “lone wolf” rather than an affiliate of any terrorist group.
A FBI press release says he was arrested yesterday and charged in the Northern District of Texas with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction.
