NY prosecutor: Alleged al-Qaida supporter tried to kill Americans in Afghanistan

NY prosecutor: Scientist wanted to kill Americans

NEW YORK — A Manhattan prosecutor says a Pakistani scientist grabbed an unattended assault rifle and shot at American personnel while detained in Afghanistan in 2008.

The prosecutor told jurors Monday that Aafia Siddiqui (ah-FEE’-uh sih-DEE’-kee) “saw her chance to kill Americans and took it.” His remarks came during closing arguments at Siddiqui’s attempted murder trial.

Siddiqui has denied firing two rounds at FBI agents and U.S. Army soldiers. Authorities say she missed and was wounded by return fire.

Prosecutors say that when she was arrested, she was carrying instructions for a dirty bomb and a list of New York City landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty.

Authorities describe Siddiqui as an al-Qaida supporter. However, she is not facing terrorism charges.