>> crazy that we live in a day and time where people are still threatening to do crazy things for nothing. >> reporter: ahmed's alleged plot involved stashing bombs in rolling suitcases and setting off explosions during a rush hour attack next year. agents say he had been videotaping subway stations. he allegedly handed over his recordings to someone he thought was with al qaeda, but it was a sting. >> the fbi was aware of mr. ahmed's activities from before the alleged attempt began and closely monitored him until his arrest. >> reporter: ahmed, his wife and son live in a virginia suburb where neighbors say he kept a low profile. >> i'm shocked. i never would have expected it out of them. i have seen them a few times. they kind of kept to themselves, but they were nice. >> reporter: while commuters were shocked, investigators insist ahmed posed no danger. >> i want to make myself