Alleged terrorist is charged with trying to blow up airplane in Detroit on Christmas Day

Alleged Christmas Day terrorist is charged

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department has charged the alleged Christmas Day terrorist with attempting to destroy an airplane.

The Justice Department says 23-year-old Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab had a device containing a high explosive attached to his body. The government says that as the flight neared Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Friday, Abdulmutallab set off the device, but it sparked a fire instead of an explosion.

According to an affidavit filed in federal court in Detroit, a preliminary analysis of the device shows that it contained PETN, also known as pentaerythritol.

The government alleges that Abdulmutallab told passengers that his stomach was upset, then pulled a blanket over himself. Passengers then heard popping noises.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Law enforcement officials say the alleged Christmas Day terrorist will be charged in Detroit with trying to blow up a plane.

The officials say the suspect, Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab, will be charged in federal court later Saturday.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the charge has not yet been unsealed.

Mutallab allegedly tried to ignite an explosive device onboard a Northwest Airlines plane from Amsterdam just before it landed in Detroit on Friday.

He allegedly claimed to have been instructed by al-Qaida to detonate the plane over U.S. soil.