Muslim-American admits guilt in Pentagon bomb plot

This section of an undated file photo released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which had been presented as a government exhibit at a 2011 hearing, shows Rezwan Ferdaus, of Ashland, Mass. Ferdaus is scheduled to plead guilty Friday, July 20, 2012 in Boston federal court to attempting to provide material support to terrorists and attempting to damage and destroy federal buildings by means of an explosive. AP/U.S. Attorney’s Office, File

BOSTON—A Muslim-American man pleaded guilty Friday to his role in a plot to use remote-controlled model planes packed with explosives to blow up the Pentagon and U.S. Capitol.

Rezwan Ferdaus pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to terrorists and attempting to damage and destroy federal buildings by means of an explosive.

The 26-year-old was arrested last year after federal employees posing as al-Qaida members delivered materials he requested, including grenades, machine guns and plastic explosives.

Under a plea agreement, federal prosecutors agreed to drop four other charges. Prosecutors and Ferdaus’ lawyers also agreed to request a 17-year sentence on charges that carry a combined maximum of 35 years in prison.

Ferdaus grew up in Massachusetts and has a physics degree from Boston’s Northeastern University.

His mother sobbed uncontrollably after Ferdaus was led away. She had to be helped by Ferdaus’ brother.

Authorities said the explosives were always under the control of federal agents, and the public was never in danger. Counterterrorism experts and model-aircraft enthusiasts say it would be nearly impossible to inflict large-scale damage using model planes.

Prosecutors have said Ferdaus began planning jihad, or holy war, against the United States in early 2010 after becoming convinced through jihadi websites and videos that America was evil. He later contacted a federal informant and began meeting to discuss the plot with undercover agents he believed were members of al-Qaida.

Ferdaus was accused of planning to use three remote-controlled planes measuring 60 to 80 inches (152 to 203 centimeters in length and capable of speeds greater than 100 mph (160 kph). Each plane, guided by GPS, was to be packed with 5 pounds (2.2 kilograms) of explosives.

In court documents, authorities said Ferdaus traveled to Washington to do surveillance and rented storage space to work on the planes in Massachusetts.

Ferdaus told undercover agents that he felt compelled to attack the U.S., authorities said.

“I just can’t stop. There is no other choice for me,” according to a recorded conversation detailed in an affidavit filed in court.

Sentencing is set for Nov. 1.