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.
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
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