2009 3 Nov

FBI Arrests Airport Shuttle Driver In Al Qaeda Investigation

Just when concern about Al Qaeda seemed to be dying out a new plot has come to light, followed by arrests in Denver and New York. The main suspect in the plot, Najibullah Zazi, is a 24 year old Afghan national, who was living in Aurora, Co, and working as an airport shuttle driver at nearby Denver Internatinal Airport. Zazi has been arrested, and has admitted to having ties to Al Qaeda.

According to the FBI, the terrorists, including Zazi were plotting to blow up a major center of transportation, such as a subway or railroad station. Based on evidence turned up in the investigation, New York, an urban center, with large public crowds, was considered the most likely target. Police raided the Aurora home of the 24 years old Zazi and carted away his computer, and 6 boxes of material. Inside his computer they found information about how to create bombs, shopping places for the chemicals needed to create the bombs, and pictures of some airports.

While New York City was considered the most likely target of the plot, Police were also concerned that Zazi, an airport shuttle driver at Denver International Airport, may have been plotting to launch a terrorist attack there as well.

Zazi’s attorney has denied that Zazi had anything to do with any type of terrorist plot, and people who worked with him, at the airport describe him as an affable kid, who has been a hard working supporter of his family.

It is evident that the recent arrests have sparked concern that limos, as cars of prestige, with large roomy interiors and ready access to airports and other transportation centers could be packed with explosives and used to launch deadly attacks. The concern that a limousine might be used in terrorist attack has sparked FBI investigation into other limousine companies. Within the past several days, the FBI has been questioning a number of limousine companies in Las Vegas.

Zazi has been a limousine driver since April, after passing routine surveillance. He is working under a green card, and supporting wife that he has been trying to bring over to America to live with him. With his recent alleged admission to having ties to Al Qaeda, it is difficult to know how the case will go, although according to local sources Zazi was released on his own custody pending investigation.

Thanks to Pyramids Limo of Aurora, Colorado for sponsoring this report. Pyramids is a Denver limousine, Denver airport limo and Boulder limousine service. Conveniently located between Denver and Denver International Airport, they specialize in Denver Airport Transportation services.