2 Men Arrested in NYC Terror Probe
Authorities have been on high alert for threats since killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in a US raid more than a week ago
Police are part of the increased security in New York City following the death of Osama bin Laden
Last updated on: May 11, 2011 8:00 PM
Law enforcement officials in the U.S. state of New York say they have arrested two men suspected of planning a terrorist attack on a New York City synagogue.
News reports quoted authorities as saying the men were arrested in a sting operation in the city late Wednesday. They were said to be trying to buy guns and hand grenades. It appeared they did not have a specific synagogue in mind for the attack.
Officials said the two suspects are expected to be charged under New York state terrorism laws.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and other officials are holding a news conference later in the day to discuss the case.
At least one of the men was said to be of North African descent.
The New York Police Department's Intelligence Division pursued the individuals. News reports quoted officials as saying the Federal Bureau of Investigation decided not to get involved.
New York authorities have been on high alert for threats since the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in a U.S. raid more than a week ago.
It has been nearly 10 years since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that destroyed the city's World Trade Center towers. Passenger planes hijacked by al-Qaida terrorists crashed into both of the buildings, as well as the Pentagon outside Washington and a field in Pennsylvania, killing nearly 3,000 people.