This is how the Chelsea bombing suspect slipped through U.S. intelligence's fingers
The man accused of injuring over two dozen people in a New York City bombing and placing multiple other explosive devices at sites in New York and New Jersey last weekend was on the FBI's radar, although multiple suspicions failed to compel them to bring him in for an interview, The New York Times reports.
Returning from almost a year in Pakistan in March 2014, customs officials flagged Ahmad Khan Rahami for a secondary screening and notified the National Targeting Center, which assesses possible threats, of his arrival. Still, nothing came of it at the time. Then just five months later, Rahami's father told the police he was worried his son "was a terrorist," but later retracted the comment, with a Joint Terrorism Task Force official explaining "the father made the comment out of anger at his son." Still, despite having been flagged twice in less than six months for a closer look, federal agents did not interview Rahami.
An Afghanistan-born U.S. citizen, Rahami, 28, is suspected of having been radicalized abroad; a notebook found on his person at the time of his arrest is filled with Islamic State-influenced writings. Investigators are also looking at a three-week trip he took to Afghanistan, and another he is believed to have taken to Ankara, Turkey, in January 2014.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Rahami has been charged with "attempted murder" and "use of weapons of mass destruction," among other charges.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
-
Today's political cartoons - November 23, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - qualifications, tax cuts, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Long summer days in Iceland's highlands
The Week Recommends While many parts of this volcanic island are barren, there is a 'desolate beauty' to be found in every corner
By The Week UK Published
-
The Democrats: time for wholesale reform?
Talking Point In the 'wreckage' of the election, the party must decide how to rebuild
By The Week UK Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published