Texas student arrested in Bush, NYC bomb plot

A Texas college student, who authorities said Thursday posed an “imminent” threat, was arrested in a bomb plot targeting former President George W. Bush, nuclear plants and even New York City.

Khalid Aldawsari, 20, who reportedly studied chemical engineering and bought explosive chemicals online, was arrested Wednesday on charges of attempted use of weapons of mass destruction and was expected to appear in court Friday. He faces life in prison.

"After mastering the English language, learning how to build explosives and continuous planning to target the infidel Americans, it is time for Jihad,” Aldawsari wrote in a journal FBI agents seized from his home this month, according to court papers.

Aldawsari reportedly planned to take a weeklong trip to New York to stake out spots. He wanted to rig bombs in rental cars and place them around the city during rush hour, according to the complaint filed against Aldawsari.

“We’ve known we’re at the top of the terrorists’ target list, and this confirms it,” NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly told the Daily News.

Aldawsari came to the country in 2008 on a student visa and attended college in Lubbock, Texas. Officials said he acted alone.

(with Reuters)