AP sources: NYC student accused of supporting al-Qaida to enter plea day before start of trial

AP sources: NYC student to plead in terrorism case

NEW YORK — An American student who prosecutors say helped a friend ship some protective clothing to an al-Qaida military commander is set to plead guilty on the eve of his trial.

Three people familiar with Syed Hashmi (sigh-IHD’ HASH’-mee)’s case tell The Associated Press that Hashmi was to admit to a single criminal count on Tuesday in Manhattan federal court.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly ahead of the plea.

Jury selection was set to begin Wednesday in the trial for 30-year-old Hashmi, who was arrested in 2006 in London. He had faced up to 70 years in prison if convicted of four criminal counts, including material support for terrorism.