MAN MAKES GUILTY PLEA IN KANSAS AIRPORT CAR BOMB PLOT

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Monday, June 8, 2015
Kansas Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Explode Car Bomb at Airport

A Wichita, Kansas, man pleaded guilty to attempting to explode a car bomb at the airport in Wichita, announced Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin and U.S. Attorney Barry R. Grissom of the District of Kansas.

Terry Lee Loewen, 59, of Wichita, pleaded guilty today to one count of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction.  Loewen was arrested in December 2013 when he tried to enter the grounds of the Wichita Mid-Continent Airport for the purpose of exploding a bomb.  (The airport recently was renamed Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport).

“Terry Loewen utilized his privileged airport access to attempt a terrorist attack in Wichita,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “Detecting, disrupting and holding accountable those who wish to harm Americans remains our highest priority.”

“Protecting the American people from terrorism is our primary mission,” said U.S. Attorney Grissom.  “It is vital that we disrupt attacks against our homeland and bring terrorists to justice.”

In his plea, Loewen admitted he came to the attention of the FBI late in May 2013 when he became a Facebook friend of a person who was posting comments advocating violent jihad.  The FBI began communicating with Loewen through an undercover employee.  After Loewen expressed his desire to engage in violent jihad, the undercover employee offered to introduce him to someone who could help him do it.

Loewen told the undercover employee he was waiting for what he called “the green light” from Allah to carry out a violent attack on a civilian target.  He said he did not expect to live through any of the attacks he had in mind.  He also said he was inspired by the teachings of Osama bin Laden and Anwar al-Awlaki, and that he had downloaded thousands of pages of information on jihad.

In September 2013, Loewen sent photos of airplanes on the tarmac at the Wichita airport.  He commented that he could have “walked over there, shot both pilots … slapped some C4 on both fuel trucks and set them off before anyone even called TSA.”

In October 2013, Loewen met with a second undercover FBI employee who Loewen believed was a “brother” and would help him blow up a plane.  Loewen said he had scouted the airport to determine a time and place for an attack that would be sure to kill as many people as possible.

Loewen assisted the second FBI employee in the final assembly of an improvised explosive device.  He was not aware that the explosive materials used in the device were inert.  In the early hours of Dec. 13, 2013, the second FBI employee picked up Loewen at a Wichita hotel.  They drove to where the bomb was stored and finished wiring the device.  When they reached the airport, Loewen twice used his airport badge at a card reader to attempt to get onto the tarmac before he was arrested.

Loewen’s sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.  Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorney Grissom commended the FBI Wichita Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes members from the FBI, Sedgwick County, Kansas, Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol.  Assisting with the investigation were the FBI Kansas City Division, the Transportation Security Administration, the Wichita Airport Authority and the Wichita Police Department.  Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorney Grissom also commended the prosecutors on the case, Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Smith and Tony Mattivi of the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney Erin Creegan of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

AG LYNCH ON TSARNAEV DEATH SENTENCE

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Friday, May 15, 2015

Statement by Attorney General Lynch on the Sentencing of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev
 Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch released the following statement on the sentencing of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev:

“Dzhokhar Tsarnaev coldly and callously perpetrated a terrorist attack that injured hundreds of Americans and ultimately took the lives of three individuals: Krystle Marie Campbell, a 29-year-old native of Medford; Lingzi Lu, a 23-year-old Boston University graduate student from China; and Martin Richard, an 8-year-old boy from Dorchester who was watching the marathon with his family just a few feet from the second bomb.  In the aftermath of the attack, Tsarnaev and his brother murdered Sean Collier, a 27-year-old patrol officer on the MIT campus, extinguishing a life dedicated to family and service.

“We know all too well that no verdict can heal the souls of those who lost loved ones, nor the minds and bodies of those who suffered life-changing injuries from this cowardly attack.  But the ultimate penalty is a fitting punishment for this horrific crime and we hope that the completion of this prosecution will bring some measure of closure to the victims and their families.  We thank the jurors for their service, the people of Boston for their vigilance, resilience and support and the law enforcement community in Boston and throughout the country for their important work.”

U.S. CONDEMNS ATTACK ON HOTEL IN SOMALIA

FROM:  THE STATE DEPARTMENT
U.S. Condemns Terrorist Attack in Somalia
Press Statement
Marie Harf
Acting Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
March 28, 2015

The United States strongly condemns al-Shabaab’s terrorist attack on the Maka al-Mukarama Hotel in Mogadishu yesterday. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the innocent victims killed in the attack and our regrets to the many who were injured. The United States praises the Somali forces for their response to this terrorist attack.

The United States stands with the Somali people and their government as they bring stability, security, and prosperity to all Somalis. We will not be swayed by cowardly terrorist attacks, but will work together for a brighter future.

SECRETARY KERRY'S REMARKS ON ATTACK IN TUNIS, TUNISIA

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Attack on the National Bardo Museum in Tunis, Tunisia
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
March 18, 2015

The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms today’s deadly terrorist attack at the National Bardo Museum in Tunis, where gunmen killed 19 people and wounded more than 20 others. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the victims’ families and loved ones. We commend Tunisian authorities’ rapid response to today’s wanton violence and their efforts to resolve the hostage situation and restore calm. The United States stands with the Tunisian people at this difficult time and continues to support the Tunisian government’s efforts to advance a secure, prosperous, and democratic Tunisia.

MAN INVOLVED IN PLOT TO BOMB U.K. MALL CONVICTED IN BROOKLYN FEDERAL COURT

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Al-Qaeda Operative Convicted for Role in International Terrorism Plot Targeting the United States and Europe
Defendant and Co-Plotters Came Within Days of Bombing a U.K. Shopping Mall

U.S. Attorney Loretta E. Lynch of the Eastern District of New York, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, Assistant Director in Charge Diego G. Rodriguez of the FBI’s New York Field Office and Commissioner William J. Bratton of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced that earlier today, following a two-week trial, Abid Naseer, 28, a Pakistani national who joined al-Qaeda and plotted to commit a terrorist attack in the United Kingdom, was found guilty by a jury in Brooklyn federal court of providing material support to al-Qaeda, conspiring to provide material support to al-Qaeda, and conspiring to use a destructive device in relation to a crime of violence.  The evidence at trial established that the defendant and his accomplices came within days of executing a plot to conduct an attack on a busy shopping mall located in the city center of Manchester, United Kingdom, in April 2009.  The planned attack, which also targeted the New York City subway system and a newspaper office in Copenhagen, Denmark, had been directed by and coordinated with senior al-Qaeda leaders in Pakistan.  Naseer is the eighth defendant to face charges, and the fourth to be convicted, in Brooklyn federal court related to the al-Qaeda plot, which also involved Adis Medunjanin, Najibullah Zazi, and Zarein Ahmedzay, the three members of the cell that targeted New York City.

“This al-Qaeda plot was intended by the group’s leaders to send a message to the United States and its allies,” said U.S. Attorney Lynch.  “Today’s verdict sends an even more powerful message in response: the United States will stop at nothing in order to hold those who plot to kill and maim in the name of religion accountable for their grievous crimes.”  U.S. Attorney Lynch extended her grateful appreciation to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which led the investigation and comprises a large number of federal, state, and local agencies from the region.  U.S. Attorney Lynch also extended her appreciation to the law enforcement authorities in the United Kingdom and Norway, including the Greater Manchester Police, the British Security Service, and the Norwegian Police Security Service, for their outstanding assistance with the case.

“Abid Naseer was part of an al Qaeda conspiracy that targeted Western countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, for terrorist attack,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “His conviction reflects our dedication to identifying and holding accountable those who seek to target the United States and its allies.  I want to thank the many agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this successful result.”

“Naseer knowingly and willingly conspired with others to carry out a destructive plot on behalf of al-Qaeda,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Rodriquez.  “The wheels were set in motion, and he and his accomplices were prepared to execute their plan. Those who pledge allegiance to terrorists and terrorist organizations throughout the world will be brought to justice, and every effort will be made to protect Americans and our interests throughout the world. The FBI will continue to work with our local and international partners to mitigate the threat of global terrorism.”

“The Abid Naseer case demonstrates that terrorists who target the U.S. and its allies will be brought to justice, no matter where they are,” said NYPD Commissioner Bratton.  “This investigation involved leads from the streets of Manchester, England, to New York City, to Usama Bin Laden’s hidden lair in Pakistan.  I want to thank the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District and the members of the N.Y. FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force for the work that led to this successful prosecution.”

In approximately September 2008, al-Qaeda leaders in Pakistan recruited Medunjanin, Zazi, and Ahmedzay, three friends from New York City, to conduct a suicide bombing attack in New York City.  Those al-Qaeda leaders, including Adnan El-Shukrijumah and Saleh al-Somali, communicated with Zazi about the plot through an al-Qaeda facilitator named “Ahmad,” who was located in Peshawar, Pakistan.  In early September 2009, after Medunjanin, Zazi, and Ahmedzay had selected the New York City subway system as their target, Zazi emailed with “Ahmad” in Pakistan about the proper ingredients for the main charge explosive, which included flour and oil.  Zazi pleaded guilty to his role in the plot on Feb. 22, 2010; Ahmedzay pleaded guilty on April 23, 2010; and Medunjanin was convicted after trial on May 1, 2012.

The investigation by authorities in the United States and United Kingdom revealed that “Ahmad” had also been communicating with the defendant earlier in 2009.  The evidence at trial demonstrated that the defendant and his Pakistani accomplices had been dispatched by al-Qaeda to the U.K. in 2006 in order to begin preparations for an attack in that country.  The defendant and his co-conspirators entered the U.K. on student visas but then immediately dropped out of the university in which they had enrolled.  The defendant, like Zazi, returned briefly to Peshawar in November 2008, at the same time Zazi and his co-conspirators were receiving weapons and explosives training from al-Qaeda in that region.  After returning to the U.K., the defendant sent messages back and forth to the same email account that “Ahmad” was also using to communicate with the American-based al-Qaeda cell on behalf of Saleh al-Somali, al-Qaeda’s then-head of external operations.  In the messages, the defendant used coded language to refer to different types of explosives.  At the culmination of the plot, in early April 2009, the defendant told “Ahmad” that he was planning a large “wedding” for numerous guests during the upcoming Easter weekend, and that “Ahmad” – whom he called “Sohaib” – should be ready.  Notably, Zazi testified that Ahmad had instructed him to use the same code of “marriage” to refer to the planned attack on the New York City subway, and that Zazi emailed Ahmad that “the marriage is ready” just before he drove to New York in early September 2009 to conduct the attack.

On April 8, 2009, the defendant and several associates were arrested in the United Kingdom.  In connection with these arrests, U.K. authorities conducted searches of the plotters’ homes as well as an internet café used by the defendant to send his messages to Ahmad, where they seized a large volume of electronic media.  As demonstrated at trial, a forensic review of that electronic media revealed that the defendant had downloaded several jihadi nasheeds, or anthems, calling for “death in large numbers.”  A document recovered from the raid on Usama bin Laden’s compound in May 2011 contained a letter from Saleh al-Somali to Bin Laden, written on April 16, 2009, that discussed the defendant and his accomplices’ arrests in the U.K.

On Jan. 30, 2012, three defendants were also convicted in a Norwegian court of plotting a similar terrorist attack in Denmark as part of the same overall multinational al-Qaeda conspiracy.  During that trial, the United States made available to the Norwegian prosecutors three witnesses who also pleaded guilty to terrorism offenses in the Eastern District of New York: Zazi, Ahmedzay, and Bryant Neal Vinas.  Zazi and Ahmedzay again testified in the trial against Naseer.

The defendant faces up to life imprisonment when he is sentenced at a later date by the Honorable Raymond J. Dearie.

The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Zainab Ahmad, Celia A. Cohen, and Michael P. Canty, with assistance provided by the Justice Department’s National Security Division and Office of International Affairs.

U.S. CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON SOMALIA CENTRAL HOTEL

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Condemnation of Attacks on Somalia Central Hotel
Press Statement
Jen Psaki
Department Spokesperson
Washington, DC
February 20, 2015

The United States strongly condemns al-Shabaab’s terrorist attack on the Central Hotel in Mogadishu today. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in the attack, and wish the injured a speedy recovery.

This murderous attack, targeting government ministers and Members of Parliament, once again highlights that al-Shabaab stands only for death and destruction, and is firmly opposed to the Somali people’s efforts to build a secure and prosperous future.

The United States will continue to support the Somali people and their government as they rebuild their country. Those who stand in the way of Somalia’s progress will not succeed.

DOD VIDEO: FLAG UNFURLED FOR 9/11

DOD VIDEO: ONE COLONEL RELIVES THE TERROR OF 9/11

U.S. PRESS STATEMENT ON TERRORIST ATTACK ON LEBANESE ARMED FORCES AND ISF

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 

Terrorist Attack on the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces

Press Statement

Jen Psaki

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

August 2, 2014

---

The United States strongly condemns the al Nusra Front’s attack today on the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in Arsal, where reportedly at least seven soldiers were killed and some Internal Security Forces (ISF) members were briefly held hostage. We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims’ families and wish a full recovery to those who were wounded.

As the violence spills over to Syria’s neighbors, including from violent extremists, we urge all parties in Lebanon to respect the Lebanese government’s policy of dissociation from regional conflicts, as stated in the Baabda Declaration.

The United States is committed to Lebanon’s security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We will continue our strong support for Lebanon’s state institutions, including the LAF and the ISF, as they work to preserve and protect a stable, sovereign, and secure Lebanon.

STATEMENT ON TERRORIST ATTACK IN CHINA

FROM:  THE WHITE HOUSE 

WHITE HOUSE PRESS 

Statement by Press Secretary Jay Carney on Terrorist Attack in China

The United States condemns the horrific terrorist attack in Urumqi, China today.  We are aware of reports that the attack resulted in the death of 31 citizens and the injury of 90 more. This is a despicable and outrageous act of violence against innocent civilians, and the United States resolutely opposes all forms of terrorism.  We offer our condolences and sympathies to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this attack.

PRESIDENT OBAMA'S STATEMENT ON ANNIVERSARY OF BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING

FROM:  THE WHITE HOUSE

  Statement by the President

A year ago, tragedy struck at the 117^th Boston Marathon.  Four innocent people were killed that week, and hundreds more were wounded.  Today, we remember Krystle Campbell, Lingzi Lu, Martin Richard, and Sean Collier.  And we send our thoughts and prayers to those still struggling to recover.

We also know that the most vivid images from that day were not of smoke and chaos, but of compassion, kindness and strength: A man in a cowboy hat helping a wounded stranger out of harm’s way; runners embracing loved ones, and each other; an EMT carrying a spectator to safety.  Today, we recognize the incredible courage and leadership of so many Bostonians in the wake of unspeakable tragedy.  And we offer our deepest gratitude to the courageous firefighters, police officers, medical professionals, runners and spectators who, in an instant, displayed the spirit Boston was built on – perseverance, freedom and love.

One year later, we also stand in awe of the men and women who continue to inspire us – learning to stand, walk, dance and run again.  With each new step our country is moved by the resilience of a community and a city.  And when the sun rises over Boylston Street next Monday – Patriot’s Day – hundreds of thousands will come together to show the world the meaning of Boston Strong as a city chooses to run again.  

BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING VICTIM SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS TO RECEIVE OVER $8.3 MILLION

FROM:  JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Monday, January 13, 2014
Attorney General Announces $8.3 Million to Support Victims of Boston Marathon Bombings

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) today announced a $8,355,648 grant to organizations providing direct support to assist the victims, witnesses and first responders involved in the events surrounding the Boston Marathon bombings in April 2013.

  “This grant funding will provide critical support to many who were affected by last year’s terrorist attack on the Boston Marathon,” said Attorney General Eric Holder.  “We will never forget the courage of the first responders, marathon participants, and bystanders who rushed to save lives on that terrible day, nor the heartbreak and pain of those who suffered injuries or lost friends and loved ones.  With this grant, we reaffirm the Justice Department’s firm commitment to standing with the victims of this heinous crime – and all of the community leaders and service providers who continue to heal this remarkable and resilient city.”

On April 15, 2013, two pressure cooker bombs were detonated 13 seconds apart near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three spectators and injuring hundreds more.  On April 18, 2013, the suspects allegedly shot and killed an officer of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Police Department.  Subsequently, the two suspects allegedly carjacked a vehicle and took the vehicle’s owner hostage; he later escaped.  On April 19, 2013, a Watertown, Mass., police officer identified the suspects and a gunfight ensued between the suspects and police in a Watertown neighborhood.  This incident resulted in one suspect’s death when he was struck by a vehicle as the other suspect fled the scene.  Later that day, police apprehended the remaining suspect in a different Watertown neighborhood.  Victims affected include those in the vicinity of the bombings as well as the residents of neighborhoods in which subsequent events unfolded.  An estimated 1,000 victims will require crisis and/or longer-term recovery services.

OVC provided the Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP) grant to the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA).

“MOVA has worked diligently with OVC and our federal, state and local partners to serve those impacted by the Boston Marathon bombings, while planning a longer term solution to meet their evolving needs in the years to come,” said MOVA Executive Director Liam Lowney. “We are grateful to OVC for its continued support in developing a response that is tailored to specifically address the physical and emotional injuries caused to so many individuals, their families and our community as a whole by this tragedy.”

This award will include costs, both incurred and anticipated, for organizations providing crisis intervention services and trauma-informed care, continuum of care, socioeconomic support, wrap-around legal services and other victim assistance.

“OVC is committed to promoting healing and justice for all victims of crime,” said OVC Director Joye Frost.  “We acknowledge the hardships that all victims of crime face and recognize the enormous physical, emotional and financial toll of the Boston bombings on victims and their loved ones.  Many of these bombing victims face serious and protracted medical problems as well as long-term financial loss and emotional upheaval.  This award will ensure that Boston and the state of Massachusetts can provide critical support to victims and their families as they work to restore a sense of normalcy to their lives.”

In 1995, following the Oklahoma City bombing, Congress authorized OVC to set aside and administer up to $50 million annually from the Crime Victims Fund for the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve Fund to assist victims in extraordinary circumstances.  Following an act of terrorism or mass violence, jurisdictions can apply for an AEAP grant award for crisis response, criminal justice support, crime victim compensation and training and technical assistance expenses.  OVC also provided AEAP funds and assistance following the shootings in Newtown, Conn. (2012); Oak Creek, Wis. (2012); Aurora, Colo. (2012); Tucson, Ariz. (2011); Binghamton, N.Y. (2009); and at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (2007).