AJC Applauds FBI Action to Avert Suicide Bomb Attack in Washington

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Feb 17, 2012, 06:10 ET

NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC praised the FBI for arresting this afternoon an alleged suicide bomber headed for the U.S. Capitol building.

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According to news reports, Amine el-Khalifi, originally from Morocco and believed to be in the United States illegally, was arrested near the Capitol, after being the subject of an investigation for several months. He had considered other targets in the Washington area, including a restaurant, synagogue, and military center, before selecting the Capitol.

"This is another sobering reminder of the need for eternal vigilance against those who would wreak havoc here," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "We are grateful to the FBI for identifying the suspect early on, monitoring his movements, and thwarting his deadly plans."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee