Times Square bomb suspect appears in court

May 19, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

Associated Press

NEW YORK

The suspect in a botched car bombing in Times Square appeared in court Tuesday on terrorism and weapons charges for the first time since his arrest two weeks ago, muttering one word about an affidavit on his finances.

Faisal Shahzad, a Pakistan-born U.S. citizen, said “yes” when asked to confirm the affidavit. Shahzad, wearing a gray sweat suit and with his hair a bit longer than in photos splashed around the world, was handcuffed behind his back and was led out of court after the 10-minute hearing.

He did not enter a plea to five felony charges against him.

Magistrate Judge James C. Francis read him his rights, including his right to remain silent, and warned him that anything he might say could be used against him.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall Jackson asked that Shahzad be detained without bail. His attorney, assistant public defender Julia Gatto, agreed, saying she was not prepared to argue for bail.

The courtroom had extra officers on hand and was emptied for a security sweep immediately before the hearing.

Gatto asked during the hearing if Shahzad could be provided with halal meals, in accordance with Islamic law, while in custody. She didn’t comment afterward and didn’t immediately return an e-mail message seeking a comment.

Authorities say Shahzad, an ex-budget analyst from Bridgeport, Conn., had voluntarily waived his rights to an initial court appearance while he was cooperating.

Shahzad was arrested May 3 on a Dubai-bound plane at John F. Kennedy International Airport on charges he drove an SUV rigged with a homemade car bomb into Times Square two nights earlier, sending thousands of tourists into a panic on a busy Saturday night. The bomb didn’t explode, and no one was hurt.

The U.S. attorney’s office said Tuesday that Shahzad is charged with attempted use of weapons of mass destruction and attempting acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, each carrying a maximum life term.

He’s charged with using a destructive device in an attempted violent crime, punishable by up to 30 years in prison; transporting and receiving explosives, punishable by up to 10 years; and attempting to damage and destroy property with fire and explosives, punishable by five to 20 years.