United States Attorney James T. Jacks
Northern District of Texas

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2009
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/txn/

FEDERAL GRAND JURY IN DALLAS
INDICTS MAN FOR ATTEMPTING TO BOMB DALLAS SKYSCRAPER

Hosam Maher Husein Smadi indictment

DALLAS — A federal grand jury in Dallas has charged Hosam Maher Husein Smadi with offenses stemming from his attempt to bomb a skyscraper in downtown Dallas, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. It is expected that Smadi will make his initial appearance on these charges before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Dallas next week.

Count one of the two-count indictment charges Smadi with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, alleging that on September 24, 2009, he activated a timer connected to a vehicle borne improvised explosive device located inside a parking garage directly beneath a public building located at 1445 Ross Avenue in Dallas.

Count two of the indictment charges Smadi with bombing a place of public use, alleging that he knowingly and unlawfully delivered, placed, discharged and detonated an explosive device into a place of public use and government facility by activating a timer connected to the device or bomb and leaving it in the public parking garage of the building. It further alleges that Smadi did this with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury and with the intent to cause extensive destruction of the facility, likely to result in major economic loss.

An indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. If convicted, however, each count carries a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The case is being investigated by the FBI in conjunction with members of the FBI-sponsored North Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson is in charge of the prosecution.

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