Brooklyn again plays host to high-profile terrorism cases
On Thursday, in two separate cases, three American citizens were arraigned in Brooklyn federal court on terror-related charges. Thursday’s arraignments are a part of a number of terror-related cases being brought by federal prosecutors and handled within the Eastern District of New York.
Defendants Noelle Velentzas, 28, and Asia Siddiqui, 31, were charged with conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction after investigators discovered the women possessed propane tanks with instructions from an online jihadist publication for transforming propane tanks into explosive devices. Muhanad Mahmoud Al Farekh was also arraigned Thursday afternoon for allegedly conspiring to provide material support to terrorists with the supposed intention of to become a martyr. All three where held without bail.
“My client will enter a plea of not guilty, if and when there is an indictment. I know it’s a serious case, but we’re going to fight it out in court,” said Thomas Dunn, attorney for Siddiqui, one of the Queens residents charged last Thursday. Velentzas’ attorney had no comment. Al Farekh’s lawyer also did not comment.