US Citizen From Pakistan Arrested for Time Square Failed Bombing

Officials of the justice department announced that federal authorities and the local police arrested a Pakistani man believed to be the driver of the SUV used during a failed bomb attack on Times Square last May 1, 2010.

The Pakistani was identified as Faisal Shahzad, a 30-year old naturalized American citizen. He was taken into custody late on Monday, May 3, at the John F. Kennedy Airport while he was trying to fly to Dubai. It was also revealed that Shahzad recently got back from a trip to Pakistan.

According to reports, the 1993 Nissan Pathfinder used in the failed bombing attempt was purchased by the Pakistani from a woman in Connecticut. It was found in the middle of Times Square, and was loaded with propane, gasoline, fertilizer and fireworks.

U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr said in a statement that investigations are ongoing, but they found strong evidence, enough to make the arrest. Holder added that the attempted terrorist attack was meant to kill Americans.

The previous owner of the SUV told authorities that the buyer looked Middle Eastern or Hispanic but could not remember his name. Agents disclosed only a few details about the suspect, Monday’s arrest and those involved in the failed bombing.

According to a joint statement released by the FBI, the NY Police Department, and the Manhattan United States Attorney’s Office, Shahzad is set to appear in a federal courtroom in Manhattan Tuesday to face charges.