Pakistani origin suspect admits role in Times Square plot

NEW YORK - The Times Square bombing bid’s Pakistani-American suspect Faisal Shahzad has admitted involvement in what authorities have now labelled an “attempted terrorist attack”, according to US Attorney General Eric Holder.

The Justice Department anticipates charging Shahzad “with an act of terrorism”, among other things, Holder said Tuesday. “It is clear that this was a terrorist plot,” he said. It could have caused “death and destruction in the heart of New York City”.

Meanwhile, CNN quoted FBI Deputy Director John Pistole as saying Shahzad was on the federal “no fly” list, which helped lead to Customs and Border Protection agents arresting him on a plane preparing to depart New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Shahzad, 30, was arrested around 11.45 p.m. Monday at Kennedy Airport, and he will appear in a Manhattan federal courtroom after 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Holder said that Shahzad has been providing useful information since his arrest. The suspect was questioned before and after having his rights read to him, Pistole said.

Shahzad’s purchase of a ticket to Islamabad, Pakistan, with cash “flagged him” to the airline’s staff, CNN said citing a senior official with Emirates Airlines in Dubai. The official said the airline’s staff regarded the purchase as unusual.

The suspect had no reservation and bought his ticket with cash at the counter. The official said Emirates staff informed security officials at the airport immediately.