New Yorkers Wary After Alleged Terror Plot Against Pentagon
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The arrest of a Massachusetts man who allegedly plotted to fly remote-control planes into the Pentagon has New Yorkers talking.
Rezwan Ferdaus, a U.S. citizen, wanted to deal a blow to "enemies of Allah" by blasting the Capitol dome to "smithereens," reported CBS News.
Model planes would've been guided by GPS and flown at speeds greater than 100 MPH. The model aircraft - up to 80 inches long - could carry up to five pounds of explosives.
Ferdaus allegedly told authorities he was driven to kill Americans.
"I just can't stop. There is no other choice for me," Ferdaus allegedly told undercover agents.
"This is yet another instance of a U.S. citizen planning to commit violent jihad on behalf of Al Qaeda," Rep. Peter King (R-NY), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security said.
"The fact that Ferdaus is a very well-educated physicist should serve as a reminder to us that the threat of Islamic terrorism transcends socioeconomics and does not only emanate from the poor and under-privileged," King said.
Sounding off on our Facebook page, viewers offered up their reactions.
"He's a traitor," wrote Rosemary Shields. "It's sad to know our people can be brainwashed into terrorism."
Some folks took issue with the decision to report the details of the plot.
"Broadcasting the intentions only fuels the thought process for the next attempt," wrote Aidan Beirne.
Others disagreed.
"I kinda think it's important to report on these things so the general public can be made more aware of things to keep our eyes open to," wrote Michelle Sheppard.
"What's next," wrote Beirne, "Remote-control cars? Next thing you know, we will have to have a background check to shop at Toys R Us or FAO."
What's your reaction to the plot? Sound off in our comments section below or on our Facebook page.
