Rezwan Ferdaus (PHOTO): Man Charged With Plotting Terrorist Attack Vs. Pentagon, U.S. Capitol

The Department Of Justice announced today that Rezwan Ferdaus of Ashland, Massachusetts has been charged in a plot to attack the Pentagon and US Capitol. Ferdaus reportedly tried to detonate a remote controlled plane filled with C-4 explosives.

Ferdaus is also charged with providing material support to Al Qaeda in order to attack U.S. soldiers stationed overseas. The FBI had control of the explosives Ferdaus planned to use, and claims that he was “closely monitored” as his plot developed.

The affidavit against Ferdaus traces his alleged terrorist activity back to 2010 when he began converting mobile phones into electrical switches for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The FBI told Ferdaus that his phones had been used to kill American soldiers overseas and he said, “That was exactly what I wanted.”

The FBI recorded Ferdaus plotting to attack the Pentagon with “small drone airplanes” filled with explosives, guided by GPS equipment. He also planned to attack the U.S. Capitol, detailed on thumb drives acquired by undercover FBI agents. Ferdaus confided to FBI agents that “I just can’t stop: there is no other choice for me.” In May Ferdaus traveled from Boston to Washington, D.C. and reportedly took photos of the Pentagon and U.S. Capitol, while plotting his attack.

Ferdaus faces a possible 15 years in prison for the material support charge, 20 years for attempting to destroy national defense premises, and between 5-20 years for attempting to damage buildings owned by the U.S. government.