A Manhattan federal court jury has returned a mixed verdict in the trial of a New Jersey software developer who authorities say researched and photographed U.S. landmarks for possible attacks. The jury couldn't reach a verdict on one terrorism charge: providing material support for a terrorist group. But jurors did find 44-year-old Alexei Saab had received military-type training from Hezbollah’s Islamic Jihad Organization. Saab’s lawyer said much of the evidence can't be considered reliable because it came from what Saab himself told FBI investigators, and was “un-credible, crazy, unsubstantiated information." The judge also questioned whether the terrorism conviction will stand based on rules about the statute of limitations.
Among the potential targets researched were Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal, all three New York area airports, the Brooklyn, Triborough and George.
Federal prosecutors say Alexei Saab cased major sites and tried to kill a suspected Israeli spy, but defense argues case based solely on suspect's 'crazy, unsubstantiated' claims
A defense lawyer urged jurors to reject a prosecutor's claims that his client is a terrorist who photographed U.S. landmarks as potential targets, saying the government didn't prove anything in a two-week trial
Among the potential targets researched were Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal, all three New York area airports, the Brooklyn, Triborough and George.