May 4, 2010

Faisal Shahzad, alleged Times Square bomber

Late last night, federal law enforcement authorities announced they captured the alleged perpetrator, Faisal Shahzad, seeking to attack New York City's Times Square with a car bomb Saturday night. The Muslim Public Affairs Council commends law enforcement and vigilant citizens for helping to prevent the plot and apprehend the suspect.

SEE: Arrest Made in Times Square Bomb Case (New York Times)
ALSO SEE: Car Bomb Found in the Heart of New York (Times of London)

"The Muslim American community condemns this appalling attempted attack on our country," said MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati. "While we await the results of the investigation and formal charges against the suspect, we urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any potential criminal activity."

The Week magazine and the Times of London reported that a Senegalese Muslim immigrant, Aliou Niasse, first noticed the suspicious smoke coming from the vehicle, which was later found to be packed with explosives. With the help of another vendor named Lance Orton, Aliou's observation was relayed to local police who moved quickly to defuse the situation. The undetonated car left a treasure trove of evidence that quickly led the authorities to the suspected plotter being apprehended.