Two alleged “citizens of the Islamic State” have been arrested in Brooklyn, accused of plotting to carry out a “terrorist attack” in the
ADVERTISEMENTTwo alleged “citizens of the Islamic State” have been arrested in Brooklyn, accused of plotting to carry out a “terrorist attack” in the US.
According to a complaint filed in the New York Borough’s district court, Noelle Velentzas, 28 and 31-year-old Asia Siddiqui planned to strike police, government or military targets, based on their so-called “violent jihadist beliefs.”
The complaint said Velentzas had praised the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States by al-Qaeda militants.
They are each charged with conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction against persons or property in the US. If convicted, they face life imprisonment.
The former roommates reportedly watched online videos about soldering, read ‘The Anarchist Cookbook’ and textbooks on electricity and had bomb-making materials in their home.
Neither woman has entered a plea. Both are considered flight risks and will be detained until their trials, the court ordered.
Thomas Dunn is representing Asia Siddiqui:
“My client will enter a plea of ‘not guilty’ if and when there is an indictment, and she and I will address everything in the courtroom, where it belongs. And, even though you’re very interested, that’s about it. I know it’s a serious case, but we’re going to fight it out in court.”
Thomas Dunn, representing Asia Siddiqui, one of the women accused of a bomb plot, says she will plead not guilty. pic.twitter.com/WcjEaYsQDR
— Colin Daileda (@ColinDaileda) April 2, 2015
Velentzas’s lawyer, Sean Maher, made no comment.