Police have arrested Faisal Shahzad, a 30-year-old U.S. citizen from Pakistan, in connection with the attempted Times Square bombing. Shahzad is believed to be the purchaser of the SUV used in the plot, and was apprehended at about 11:00 P.M. Monday while already on-board a flight to Dubai from JFK International Airport:
Shahzad’s flight to Dubai had left the gate and was headed toward the runway when authorities discovered that he was on board and wanted. He was removed from the plane and taken into custody, an official said.
It is not yet known whether Shahzad coordinated the attack with other domestic or foreign elements. A statement released by Attorney General Eric Holder called the investigation “ongoing:”
“. . . [A]s are our attempts to gather useful intelligence, and we continue to pursue a number of leads,” Holder said. “But it’s clear that the intent behind this terrorist act was to kill Americans.”
International phone records reportedly show calls between Shazhad and/or other suspects and overseas elements; and evidence at the crime scene, including potential fingerprints, also reportedly suggest an international connection.
The Joint Terrorism Task Force took the reins in the investigation on Monday. It had previously been headed up by NYPD.
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