With the 10th anniversary of 9/11 only a few weeks behind us, terrorism and the irreparable damage it can cause are fresh in each American’s mind.
On Wednesday, a Northeastern University graduate was arrested on suspicions of a terrorist plot in the making, one that would involve remote-controlled aircraft and a deadly amount of explosives.
Northeastern is reluctant to release full information on the former student, but have stated that Rezwan Matin Ferdaus, 26, graduated with a degree in physics in 2008. According to federal agents, Ferdaus began planning the attack only a year ago.
Ferdaus was arrested in Framingham, Ma. by undercover federal agents who had arrived at his house under the pretense of delivering several materials he had requested for his plot, including six machine guns, grenades and what he thought was 24 pounds of C-4 explosive.
In his alleged plot, Ferdaus had planned to destroy the Pentagon and the U.S. Capital, areas that were targeted in the 9/11 attacks but not affected as greatly as New York City. Ferdaus has a history of run-ins with law enforcement, including a charge for marijuana possession and a charge for vandalism of Ashland High, in Ashland, Ma.
Ferdaus is currently being held without bail. He was indicted on six counts by a federal grand jury in Boston on Thursday, including one for his alleged attempts to help al-Qaida groups. A hearing will take place on October 3.