AJC Praises FBI for Foiling Baltimore Terror Bombing

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Dec 09, 2010, 10:42 ET

NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC praised the FBI for foiling a homegrown terrorist plot to bomb a U.S. Army recruiting center in Baltimore.

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"Our law-enforcement agencies thankfully prevented another tragedy on U.S. soil, for which we express our admiration and appreciation," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "The Baltimore attempt is yet another stark reminder that the threat of jihadist terrorism – whether homegrown, international, or interconnected – is very real. It can attempt to strike anywhere in the United States and its intended victims can be anyone."

A naturalized U.S. citizen from Nicaragua, Antonio Martinez, who converted to Islam and called himself Muhammad Hussein, had planned to destroy army recruiting centers in Maryland and murder Americans. He was reportedly inspired by radical websites calling for murderous attacks against so-called "infidels." FBI undercover agents ensured that the first car bomb Martinez attempted to set off was a fake.

"Whether a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in Portland, synagogues in the Bronx, the subway system in Washington, or a Dallas skyscraper, vigilant officials have averted potential mass murder by fellow Americans," said Harris. "Terrorists and would-be terrorists alike must always know that Americans stand strong and resolute in defense of our country – and its bedrock values."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee