Minnesota and Al Qaeda... Interesting Bit From CNN

[wx247]

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A man who allegedly has ties to al Qaeda and has trained in its camps is in federal custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, law enforcement sources said Wednesday.

The details are under seal because the man is being held as a material witness in a federal investigation, those sources said.

One source said the man, arrested Tuesday, has provided information about Zacarias Moussaoui, an al Qaeda operative arrested in Minnesota in August 2001.

Moussaoui, 35, is the only defendant facing trial in connection to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He was indicted two years ago this month. He faces six charges, including conspiracy to commit terrorism and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction.

Sources would not name the man, but said he is not from the United States.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported in Wednesday's edition that the detainee confirmed some of investigators' suspicions about Moussaoui and that he described Moussaoui's activities at an al Qaeda training camp in Afghanistan several years ago.

A French citizen of Moroccan heritage, Moussaoui was arrested initially on an immigration violation after he aroused suspicion at a Minnesota flight school where he sought jetliner simulator training, but lacked a pilot's license.

Prosecutors contend Moussaoui's actions after his arrival in the United States in February 2001 mirrored those of the September 11 hijackers and that he aspired to fly a passenger jet into the White House.

Moussaoui admits belonging to al Qaeda and swears loyalty to its leader, Osama bin Laden. He contends he was planning to participate in a later attack outside the United States.

A ruling by the trial judge in Moussaoui's case that would give him the right to question fellow al Qaeda detainees is before a federal appeals court in Virginia.

At the appeal hearing last week, the Justice Department argued that Moussaoui has no right to question al Qaeda detainees whom he says will clear him of involvement. The appeals ruling is expected to affect how terrorism cases are prosecuted in U.S. civilian courts.

If the Justice Department's appeal fails, the government could take Moussaoui out of the civilian justice system and place him in military custody.

[blizzard]

As was posted in another topic about Al Queda residing in Canada. Minnesota would be one of the major arteries for operatives to enter the US. Straing shot from Thunder BAy, Ontario, Through MN.

Scary as He!!

[wx247]

As was posted in another topic about Al Queda residing in Canada. Minnesota would be one of the major arteries for operatives to enter the US. Straing shot from Thunder BAy, Ontario, Through MN.

Scary as He!!

I agree. This is very scary.

[Josephine96]

Scary thing is, the Mall of America is also in Minnesota. That may be an Al Qaeda target

[blizzard]

Scary thing is, the Mall of America is also in Minnesota. That may be an Al Qaeda target

Yes, it surely is a target. They have over 42 million customers a year. I know that there are thousands upon thousands of people in there at all times.
Everytime that I have been there, it has been ridiculously full of people.

[Josephine96]

Hey Blizzard.. The only reason I'd want to live in Minneapolis would be the Mall of America lol.

Do they have enough parking spaces? lol and if not do they at least have public buses or shuttle buses to get you to the mall from certain points

[blizzard]

Parking is plentiful. And the best part is that no-one has to park more than a certain distance from a entrance. I think that maybe be like 100 yds or so. (don't quote me though)
They are even planning on doubling the size of the mall next year. The thing is already a massive piece of property.

[ColdFront77]

How many stores are in the Mall of America and what are the anchor stores? Perhaps there are some stores only in Minnesota and/or the Great Lake and Midwest regions. ..

[blizzard]

Tom, here is some info on the Mall of America

Mall of America
The Mall of America has become globally recognized as the largest entertainment and retail complex in the US. Welcoming over 42 million guests each year, Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota is the nation's #1 visited attraction. The Mall of America has over 525 specialty stores, 4 national department stores - Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Nordstrom and Sears, over 50 restaurants from fast-food to fine dining, 7 nightclubs, 14 movie theaters, and much more!

Mall of America information, complete store listings and upcoming events can be found by visiting the Mall of America website at http://www.mallofamerica.com

[ColdFront77]

Blizzard, thank you very much for the information. I was sure they would have a website, none other than http://www.mallofamerica.com.

Interesting, it even has nightclubs of all things, certainly not something I am into.

Maybe some day I will go there with the brother (and sister-in-law) I will be living with in the years to come.

I haven't been out of the Eastern Time Zone, yet.

[blizzard]

No Problem Tom, hope you can make it someday, it really is an architechtural marvel. It has a full sized amusement park right in the center with roller coasters, kiddie rides, and a miniature golf course. I usually get there about 5-6 times a year.
It is about 120 miles from where I live.

[blizzard]

Here is some more fun info for you Tom, and anyone else interested.

Mall of America Fun Facts
Mall of America is the largest, fully enclosed retail and family entertainment complex in the US.
Seven Yankee Stadiums would fit inside Mall of America.
Mall of America’s 13,300 short tons of steel is nearly twice the amount in the Eiffel Tower.
Walking distance around one level of Mall of America is .57 of a mile.
Spending 10 minutes in every store would take a shopper more than 86 hours to complete their visit to Mall of America.
More than 1,500 couples have been married at Mall of America since opening in August, 1992.
Mall of America is located on the former Metropolitan Sports Stadium which was home to the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. Home plate can be found in Knott’s Camp Snoopy.
Knott’s Camp Snoopy - Peanuts creator Charles Schultz is a native of St. Paul.
There are 30,000 live plants and 400 live trees planted in Knott’s Camp Snoopy.