Miami/Chicago Jihad Update: “FBI arrests seven in suspected terrorism plot,” from Reuters:
MIAMI (Reuters) – U.S. anti-terrorism agents arrested seven people suspected of planning attacks on federal offices in Miami and the landmark Sears Tower in Chicago, a law enforcement source said on Thursday.
The source, elaborating on a brief statement on the operation from Florida authorities, said the suspects had thought they were dealing with the international al Qaeda group but had been infiltrated by a U.S. government informant….
“In the past couple of days, the U.S. government has taken into custody seven people who were conspiring to conduct jihad (holy war) in the United States,” the law enforcement source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“They thought they were dealing with al Qaeda,” the source said, adding the suspects had been trying to buy weapons and other things needed to carry out attacks.
The source said the government had an informant with whom the suspected conspirators had discussed their plans.
“There was no immediate threat because we were in on the discussions.” the source said.
A man identified as a member of the “Seas of David” religious group later told CNN in Miami that five of his fellow members were among those arrested and that they had no connection to terrorists.
We are not terrorists. We are members of David, Seas of David,” said the man, identified as Brother Corey. He said the group had “soldiers” in Chicago, but reiterated it was peaceful movement.