The Feds File Charges Against The NYC Bombing Suspect, Including Use Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction

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Getty Image / FBI

On Tuesday, the Department of Justice filed federal charges against bombing suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami, who allegedly carried out a series of bombings and attempted bombings in New Jersey and the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan that injured 29 people. According to CNN, Rahami is charged with four federal offenses: use of a weapon of mass destruction, bombing, destruction of property, and use of a destructive device.

These charges are in addition to five counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer that Rahami faces in New Jersey. Though a homemade bomb may not qualify as a WMD in the public imagination, CBS’ Paula Reid reported that under federal law, “weapon of mass destruction” is a broad term that includes rudimentary bombs.

Rahami was taken into police custody on Monday following a shootout with police. Two New Jersey police officers were injured in the lead up to his arrest. Rahami was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where he will be held while his gunshot wounds heal. Meanwhile, law enforcement officers are examining evidence the suspect left behind, including a notebook he had on him when he was arrested. In his notes, Rahami rambles about Osama Bin Laden, the Boston marathon bombers, and jihadist cleric Anwar al-Awlaki.

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