AP source: Alleged terrorist to be charged Saturday with trying to blow up airplane

Alleged Christmas Day terrorist to be charged

WASHINGTON — 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.