News

Federal authorities today arrested and charged a 26-year-old Ashland man
with plotting to damage the Pentagon and US Capitol with a
remote-controlled aircraft filled with C-4 plastic explosives.

Rezwan Ferdaus, a US citizen, was
also charged with attempting to provide material support and resources
to a foreign terrorist organization, specifically to Al Qaeda, in order
to carry out attacks on US soldiers stationed overseas, the US
attorney’s office said in a statement.

He
apppeared for an initial status hearing today in US District Court in
Worcester. Prosecutors are seeking that he be detained without bail
until his trial. A detention hearing will be held at 3 p.m. Monday.

“The
conduct alleged today shows that Mr. Ferdaus had long planned to commit
violent acts against our country,” US Attorney Carmen Ortiz said.
“Thanks to the diligence of the FBI and our many other law enforcement
partners, that plan was thwarted.”

She
added, “I want the public to understand that Mr. Ferdaus’ conduct, as
alleged in the complaint, is not reflective of a particular culture,
community or religion. In addition to protecting our citizens from the
threats and violence alleged today, we also have an obligation to
protect members of every community, race, and religion against violence
and other unlawful conduct.”

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