terrorist bomb plot thwarted in chicago, wrigleyville

This story is a bit scary. Actually a lot scary when you consider the target was literally a block away from the mass transit stop I visit about every other day. When this story broke, about a terrorist plot to blow up Sluggers, a bar and grille literally across the street from Wrigley Field home of the Chicago Cubs, it reminded me of the fall of 2001.

Those were not good times, I remember everybody was paranoid about anthrax and such in those days.

The bomber was hoping to kill people experiencing the nightlife of the region following a Dave Matthews Concert being held at the old ballpark.

Here’s what went down according to NBC 5’s Natalie Martinez.

A 22-year-old Lebanese medical student who regards Sept. 11 as a “beautiful day” is in custody after placing a backpack containing what he thought was an explosive device into a Wrigleyville trash can, federal authorities said Monday.

Sami Samir Hassoun, of the 4700 block of North Kedzie, has been charged with one count each of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted use of an explosive device, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Chicago office said.

Hassoun’s arrest after midnight Saturday comes after a months-long investigation during which he unknowingly worked with an informant and an undercover FBI agent, officials said.

Follow that link to watch a video story about the plot.

Hassoun also wanted to poison the waters of Lake Michigan, assassinate Mayor Daley and blow up Willis Tower, North America’s tallest building. I guess have to now live in a world where my hometown of Chicago is in the same class as New York City when it comes to being a terrorist target. And that’s no laughing matter.

Despite the jokes I make about hating Cubs fans, and DMB fans, or even worse- people who are both Cub and DMB fans, I still felt a little bad about the timing of this joke in a different piece today.

Your 2010 New York Jets: about as unlovable as Al Qaeda, the Taliban and Mujahideen combined.

The joke is solid, just unfortunate with the timing today.

But on a more serious note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the FBI, as well as the local law enforcement and homeland security officials for making/keeping us safe. You go to work everyday with the most important job of all!

Paul M. Banks is President and CEO of The Sports Bank.net , a Midwest focused webzine. He is also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, the Chicago Tribune’s blog network, Walter Football.com, the Washington Times Communities, Yardbarker Network, and Fox Sports.com

You can follow him on Twitter @thesportsbank and @bigtenguru