Dallas skyscraper bomb plot

[TangoWhiskey]

I don't see this on CNN or MSNBC, but it's all over the news here in DFW tonight:

http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local-beat/FBI-Arrests-Man-Accused-in-Skyscraper-Bomb-Plot--61272512.html

The investigators talked with this guy in chat rooms in Arabic since last spring... today the guy drove what he believed was a vehicle full of explosives (actually disabled and inert) into the basement of a Dallas landmark skyscraper, and tried to detonate it remotely using a cell phone, within view of his handiwork.

They arrested him when he hit the 'send' button.

Bravo, FBI. Glad you got one of them!! Hat's off to you for some incredible investigative work.

 

[OtisAir]

Bravo!!!!! Hear Hear!!!!!! I agree TeeDub! Good Job Folks.

 

[SCCutler]

I can't help wondering - if only it were more difficult for general aviation aircraft to fly, this fellow would never have tried to blow up a building with a truckload of explosives.

 

[TMetzinger]

Any mention of whether this guy was a US citizen or not?

I'm surprised they didn't just use the patriot act and detain him on suspicion indefinitely. Would have been a lot less risk for the FBI. Good for them to use normal police procedures instead of those more suited to (let's say) oppressive regimes.

 

[jasc15]

Reading the snippets from the arrest affidavit, the guy doesn't seem too bright. Seems like this isn't really a significant catch so much as a good success story for the FBI. Not to take away from the good police work.

 

[TangoWhiskey]

Any mention of whether this guy was a US citizen or not?

From the article, it appears he was an illegal alien:

"Investigators said Smadi was in the country illegally and lived and worked in Italy, Texas, which is about 45 miles south of Dallas."