The 19 year old Jordanian national arrested in yesterday's alleged terrorism plot that targeted a downtown Dallas skyscraper made his first court appearance today. Hosam Maher Husein Smadi spoke in a soft voice, sometimes telling U.S. Magistrate Irma Rameriz he did not understand what she was asking.
A slight man, dressed in black, Smadi is facing a huge charge. He is accused of the attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction.
An affidavit released by the F.B.I. says Smadi was bent on attacking America by attacking a financial institution. The affidavit says Smadi chose the Fountain Place because it houses a Wells Fargo bank and four other financial institutions.
Smadi entered the Magistrate courtroom at 10:50 this morning, surrounded by deputy U.S. Marshals and lawyers. He sat quietly waiting for the hearing, occasionally listening to an attorney explain a document.
Rameriz admonished Smadi of rights accorded an American under the U.S. Constitution, such as the right to counsel and the right to remain silent. She also advised him if he were a foreign national, he would have the right to have a consulate notified.
That was not done immediately.
The reason may lie in Smadi's legal status in the United States. The U.S. Attorney's Office says Smadi is in the United States illegally. By asking for a Consulate, Smadi may be admitting he is a foreign citizen, which could strip him of legal rights.
"I can't tell you about his immigration status." said Richard Anderson, who was appointed a Federal Public Defender in the case. "What it means right now is until we have the probable cause hearing, we're not going to be asking for any release from detention."
That means Smadi will remain in custody without bond at least until October 5, the date set for the preliminary hearing by Magistrate Rameriz.
The affidavit presents a chilling depiction of a man bent on carrying out an attack on American soil.
"SMADI has repeatedly indicated to both (F.B.I. informants) that he came to the United States with the purpose of committing 'Jihad for the sake of God.'" the affidavit says. Time and time the document says the agents, acting as co-conspirators, tried to talk Smadi out of the attack. But, that their efforts were rebuffed.
In uncharacteristic detail the affidavit spells out exactly how the alleged plot was to unfold.
"SMADI, alone and believing himself to be in possession of a weapon of mass destruction, did drive a vehicle containing the (disabled explosives) thought he streets of downtown Dallas toward his planned target location. He entered the parking garage directly beneath the Fountain Place building and parked the vehicle. Smadi then attempted to ignite and detonate the explosive device by setting the device's timer and flipping the power switch on the explosive device. Smadi then exited and locked the vehicle, and left the parking garage on foot. Smadi walked to where (an F.B.I. informant) was parked and got into the vehicle."
The document goes on that the two men drove several blocks away "so they could watch as Smadi remotely detonated the (device) via cell phone. (The agent) offered Smadi ear plugs, but Smadi declined indicating that he wanted to hear the blast. Smadi then dialed the cell phone which he believed would detonate the explosive device parked under his selected target."
But the number went to a phone in the possession of law enforcement. Agents moved in and Smadi was arrested.
Weekly Economic Update - 02/08/10
The debt troubles in the Eurozone and the uncertainty permeating OPEC's membership provide plenty to talk about for Charley's chat with Mike in East Texas this week. Also, 50 years of economic history in 90 seconds!
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