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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Times Square Bomber Grilled for 15 Days

NEW YORK (CN) - The man accused of trying to set off a car bomb in Times Square was interrogated for 15 days after his arrest in an attempt to prevent "potential future attacks," according to a May 12 letter unsealed Thursday.

The federal government wrote in the letter that Faisal Shahzad was advised of his rights to remain silent and appear before a judge, but that he repeatedly waived those rights.

The partially redacted letter, written by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, also claims that Shahzad gave up his right to an attorney.

According to the letter, officials are "vigorously and expeditiously pursuing leads" from the incident, a "process which has required the participation of hundreds of agents in different cities working around the clock since the defendant's arrest."

"Uninterrupted access to the defendant has been, and continues to be, critical to this process," the letter states.

Shahzad is accused of driving a Nissan Pathfinder loaded with firecrackers, propane tanks and gas cans into Times Square on May 1. The smoldering car was found abandoned.

Shahzad has been charged with one count each of attempted terrorism; attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction; using a destructive device in connection with an attempted crime of violence; transporting explosives; and attempting to destroy property with fire and explosives.

He is being held without bail after his first court appearance May 18.

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