Man in terror probe fails to meet with FBI

DENVER (AP) — A man under investigation in a terrorism probe in New York and Colorado didn’t report for a fourth day of FBI questioning Saturday so he could spend a much-needed day with his attorney, the attorney’s spokeswoman said.

Najibullah Zazi had been scheduled to go to the Federal Building in Denver on Saturday. But Wendy Aiello, a spokeswoman for Zazi’s defense team, told The Associated Press that Zazi and his attorney contacted the FBI to cancel the meeting.

“They are meeting as client and attorney to review the case and the entire situation,” Aiello said. “Further meetings with the FBI are not being ruled out.”

“I do know that Mr. Zazi is very tired,” she added.

The FBI had no immediate comment.

Zazi, a 24-year-old airport shuttle driver, insists he is not involved in terrorism and has no links to al-Qaida. He is not under arrest.

He completed a third day of questioning Friday and was allowed to return to his suburban Denver apartment.

“The Denver FBI office has been very professional and courteous to Mr. Zazi and his family, and Mr. Zazi has cooperated fully with the Denver FBI office,” Aiello said.

Zazi’s defense team denied reports that Zazi is considering a plea deal related to terror charges, and Zazi’s attorney, Arthur Folsom, has dismissed as “rumor” remarks by a senior U.S. intelligence official in Washington that Zazi played a crucial role in an intended terrorist attack.

The official told the AP on Friday that Zazi has indicated he is directly linked with al-Qaida. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss intelligence matters, said Zazi played a crucial role in an intended terrorist attack but that it was not immediately clear what the targets were.

The official said the plot was being directed from outside the United States.

“Absolutely no way. It’s a rumor,” Folsom said Friday.

The FBI has searched Zazi’s apartment and his uncle and aunt’s home in suburban Denver. Authorities have not said what they found and have made no public statements on the investigation.

Another official familiar with the investigation told the AP on Thursday that agents have been monitoring Zazi and four others in Colorado as part of a terrorism investigation.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said Friday that the FBI was “working this case around the clock” in New York, Denver and other parts of the country but that there was no imminent threat.

Authorities say Zazi rented a car and drove from Denver to New York, crossing into Manhattan on Sept. 10. Zazi said he went to New York to resolve some issues with a coffee cart he owns in Manhattan.