There are new developments tonight surrounding an Iraqi refugee accused of setting off an explosion at a Social Security office in Casa Grande.
A criminal complaint shows 47-year-old Abdul Latif Aldosary researched how to build high-grade explosives, like those used in terrorist bomb plots. Investigators also found handwritten notes at his home, showing what chemicals to use and lists of "materials needed."
They also found gallons of chemicals that could be used to make a bomb.
In federal court on Monday, the suspect stood silent. Aldosary looked down and wore shackles around his wrists and ankles as he shuffled up to the stand in federal court Monday.
He refused to tell the judge his full name and didn't respond to questions. His appointed public defender says he would not talk with her either.
The judge asked if he understood English, and the prosecutor said based on interviews with his previous employer, he understands English and it is not an issue.
In fact, during an interview this weekend, a neighbor says Aldosary's English is very good.
Friend and neighbor Swannee Welsh says Aldosary is a refugee from Iraq and often looks for day jobs.
"I just don't believe it," says Welsh. "He was just in that neighborhood because he goes to unemployment offices and other government buildings over there, but he hasn't any problems against America, he's very thankful he got to be a refugee somewhere."
Monday, the 47-year-old was charged with malicious damage of a federal building by means of explosives and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Witnesses reportedly saw his car leaving the scene of the explosion at the Social Security office in Casa Grande Friday. They recorded his license plate number. A search warrant was later served at his Coolidge home.
Court documents allege there was damage to Aldosary's car, apparently caused by explosive material. A black hoodie he was allegedly wearing was in the washing machine.
The FBI says Aldosary had $21,000 in his bank account. There was no evidence he had ever received money from DES.
A few years ago, Aldosary was convicted of aggravated assault in a case involving his former employer. That employer says when he wasn't getting enough hours, Aldosary made calls and sent threatening letters "suggesting terrorism" -- but never mentioned explosives.
Aldosary will be in court again Wednesday. In the meantime he will remain in custody of the US Marshals.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:27 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:27:26 GMT
Black and Hispanic men are more likely to be stopped in the Bronx and Brooklyn than other boroughs, according to an analysis of police street stop data released Wednesday by the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Black and Hispanic men are more likely to be stopped in the Bronx and Brooklyn than other boroughs, according to an analysis of police street stop data released Wednesday by the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:10 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:10:42 GMT
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police.
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police. The incident Monday night involved two men, who police say, had met at the Bowery Mission and went out drinking together in the East Village. Roman Gornell, 39, was arrested on Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:52 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:52:16 GMT
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:23 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:23:21 GMT
Ex-congressman Anthony Weiner whose career imploded after raunchy tweets said in a YouTube video announcement that he's in the New York City mayoral race.
Ex-congressman Anthony Weiner whose career imploded after raunchy tweets said in a YouTube video announcement that he's in the New York City mayoral race. A poll released Wednesday placed Weiner in second place behind City Council Speaker Christine Quinn in a Democratic primary.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:10 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:10:21 GMT
Commuter rail service from Connecticut to New York City, along with Amtrak service between Boston and New York, was back on schedule Wednesday morning on one of the nation's oldest and most heavily traveled railways.
Commuter rail service from Connecticut to New York City, along with Amtrak service between Boston and New York, was back on schedule Wednesday morning on one of the nation's oldest and most heavily traveled railways.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-22 11:42:24 GMT
The National Weather Service is looking into whether a tornado touched down in a rural eastern New York county during a series of severe thunderstorms that rumbled across the upstate region.
The National Weather Service is looking into whether a tornado touched down in a rural eastern New York county during a series of severe thunderstorms that rumbled across the upstate region.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:51 PM EDT2013-05-22 01:51:10 GMT
Just a few days after Mark Carson, 32, was killed for being gay, and only a few hours after a massive rally in the west village calling for an end to the anti-gay violence, it happened again.
Just a few days after Mark Carson, 32, was killed for being gay, and only a few hours after a massive rally in the west village calling for an end to the anti-gay violence, it happened again.
Abdul Latif Aldosary
