Terror Alerts - Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty
2/22/2010New York City - Najibullah Zazi plead guilty to multiple counts related to his plan to detonate explosives in the New York City Subways.
In an appearance before a federal judge, Zazi admitted his role in the conspiracy, saying, "In spring 2008, I conspired with others to join the Taliban, to fight along with the Taliban against the United States." He said, "We were recruited to al Qaeda instead."
He pled guilty to three counts: conspiring to use weapons of mass destruction, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country and providing material support to a terrorist organization. Sentencing is set for June 25.
Zazi was arrested in September in an alleged plot to build and detonate bombs in New York around the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks. While at a terrorist training camp in Pakistan, he "had discussions with al Qaeda about targets including the New York City subway system," Zazi said in court Monday.
Federal officials have said the conspiracy involving Zazi represents the most serious terrorism plot since 9/11 and the investigation is intense and ongoing.