Using the Security State to Get Back at Your Family

Here's how to make terror alerts really work for you, from the Chicago Sun-Times:

More than 100 law enforcement agents spent thousands of hours investigating a series of false terrorism threats allegedly phoned in by a Chicago businessman who had a grudge with his relatives.

In the calls -- some made while the country was under a heightened terrorism alert -- Abdul Rauf Noormohamed claimed several people connected with al-Qaida were planning to bomb the Sears Tower, Lake Point Tower, Soldier Field, O'Hare Airport and City Hall, federal authorities allege.

But in reality, the people named as the plotters were relatives of Noormohamed's -- a Pakistani-born, naturalized citizen -- with whom he was feuding, officials say.

[Thanks to Ivan Osorio for the link]

Comments

[Dan]

If this is true, that guy needs to do some *serious* jail time.

[ed]

In a similar manner, Afghanis used the ultimate "security state" (U.S. fighter bombers) to settle old scores after the Taliban were routed.

[R. C. Dean]

Thanks, ed. That link was fascinating. Who knew allegations of US fecklessness in Afghanistan were so well documented?

[thoreau]

I believe it was reported last month (and linked to on H&R) that a significant fraction of the Gitmo detainees (20%? not sure) were Afghans falsely accused by people seeking bounties. Apparently their release was pending.

Paid government informant: It's good work if you can get it!

[dragoon]

Reminds me of the Iraqi immigrant held due to "secret evidence" of his working for Hussein that couldn't be revealed due to national security issues. Turned out to be accusations from his ex-wife. This happened a couple of years ago.