26-year-old U.S. citizen Rezqan Ferdaus was arrested Wednesday, charged with plotting to attack the Pentagon and U.S. Capitol with plastic-explosive-laden remote-controlled aircraft. Reports state that an affidavit said recorded conversations caught Ferdaus talking about using three remote-control aircraft like small kamikaze-drones by packing them with C-4 and slaving their controls to GPS equipment. The plan allegedly involved six gunmen divided into two teams. Authorities say those teams were to serve to increase the death toll and chaos at the pre-selected impact sites in Washington, D.C. A multi-agency effort culminated in the delivery by undercover FBI agents of fake explosives and weapons to Ferdaus’ home, allegedly at his request.
Ferdaus thought he was receiving 25 pounds of C-4 explosives, three grenades and six AK-47 fully automatic assault rifles. The government says his plan involved launching explosives-filled aircraft, possibly including the F-86 Sabre remote-controlled plane in his possession, from the East Potomac Park. The government says that Ferdaus modified cellphones so that they could be used as triggers for IEDs and gave them to undercover FBI agents who he believed were recruiters for Al Qaeda. Ferdaus is facing court in Worcester, Mass., and the possibility of up to 15 years in prison if convicted of providing support and resources to a foreign terrorist group. He could serve up to 20 years in prison if found guilty of attempting to destroy a national defense facility. Another charge could add up to 20 years, if Ferdaus is convicted. A flight last December by a group of technophiles who call themselves Team Black Sheep launched a video-camera-equipped RC aircraft from Brooklyn Bridge Park. That aircraft flew over many of New York city’s famous landmarks. After an investigation, no charges were filed. See the Black Sheep video here.
