A Saudi Student in Texas Aldawsari, Found Guilty on Terrorism Charge

A Saudi Arabian Khalid Aldawsari, 22-year-old former Texas Tech University student found guilty of buying chemicals online and trying to use a weapon of mass destruction aslo Aldavsari faces life in prison and a fine of 250,000 dollars. Sentencing is scheduled on October 9. New York Times reported

Aldawsari entered the United States in 2008 on a student visa. He studied chemical engineering at South Plains College near Lubbock, he arrested on February 23, 2011 and the accusation was brought to him on March 9.

"As the trial demonstrated, Aldawsari purchased ingredients to construct an explosive device and was actively researching potential targets in the United States," Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Monaco, who prosecuted the case, said in a statement. According to Reuters .

Authorities said that Aldavsari searching on internet about the construction of homemade bombs information . He managed to buy some chemicals that are used as components of an explosive device. Khalid Aldawsari raised suspicions among a chemical supplier of two companies specializing in the manufacture of chemicals and delivery of goods, when he tried to buy a large quantity of phenol which is is a toxic chemical with legitimate uses but can also be used as substance used in the manufacture of explosives trinitrophenol .

"Today's guilty verdict shows how individuals in the Untied States with the intent to do harm can acquire the knowledge and materials necessary to carry out an attack," Diego Rodriguez, special agent in charge of the Dallas FBI field office, said in a statement. According to Reuters

Aldavsari talked about the desire to join the jihad on his blog and on his e-mail found a list of targets which included nuclear power plants, hydropower plants and Dallas home of former President George W. Bush