2 arrested in New York on terrorism charges
Reporting from New York City — The New York Police Department arrested two men Wednesday night in Midtown Manhattan on terrorism-related charges, according to a law-enforcement official who declined to provide further details Thursday morning.
ABC News reported that the men allegedly were trying to buy weapons, including a grenade, as part of a plot to attack Manhattan synagogues.
No specific synagogue was cited, but one of the men, who was described as in his 20s and living in Queens, allegedly was going to sell drugs to get money for the weapons, ABC reported, quoting police sources. He was drug dealing for jihad, a source told ABC News.
Although New York police have been on high alert since the killing of Osama bin Laden by U.S. forces this month, undercover officers apparently came across this latest alleged scheme before the death of the Al Qaeda leader and set up a sting operation.
New York’s mayor and police commissioner were scheduled to discuss the arrests Thursday afternoon.
The Associated Press reported that the FBI was consulted about the case and declined to pursue it.
Since the 9/11 attacks, law-enforcement officials have foiled a dozen terrorism plots targeting New York.
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