The 38th Thwarted Attack: Bomber Uncovered by the Actions of Concerned Citizens

Jessica Zuckerman / February 24, 2011

Yesterday, the FBI arrested Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari for the attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction. His arrest marks the 38th successfully thwarted terrorist plot against the United States since 9/11.

The FBI, with the help of concerned citizens, should be applauded for stopping the plot before it was able to mature. At the same time, it also highlights key failures of Congress and the Obama Administration in homeland security.

According to the FBI, Aldawsari, a 20-year-old Saudi citizen and student at South Plains College in Lubbock, Texas, sent numerous e-mails to himself outlining “nice targets” for his planned attack. This ambitious list included military targets, dams, nuclear power plants, a nightclub, and the Texas residence of former President George W. Bush. (more…)