A federal jury has found the four men accused of plotting to blow up synagogues in Riverdale, as well as shoot down military planes in Newburgh, guilty on 30 of 32 counts. James Cromitie, David Williams, Onta Williams, and Laguerre Payen, whose lawyers argued that a government informant entrapped them, face up to life in prison—sentencing is next March. U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said, "Homegrown terrorism is a serious threat, and today’s convictions affirm our commitment to do everything we can to protect against it. The defendants in this case agreed to plant bombs and use missiles they thought were very real weapons of terrorism." more ›

Prosecutors have been playing tapes of James Cromitie, one the men accused of plotting to blow up synagogues in the Bronx last year, speaking with the government informant. Cromitie is heard saying, "Sometime, I think I’m talking too much," "Somebody need to send one, one great big message, bigger than the World Trade Center," and "I would kill 10 [Jews] Before I think about killing one Muslim. Don’t be surprised if one day you might see me in handcuffs again. Don’t be surprised because I have zero tolerance for people who disrespect Muslims." more ›

In court papers filed today, prosecutors describe the alleged leader of the plot to bomb synagogues in the Bronx as a "hate-filled anti-Semite" who considers Osama bin Laden his "brother." The Post reports that James Cromitie told an informant he wanted to shoot President Bush, saying the president "is the anti-Christ and if Allah does not kill him then a brother will." Another of one the men involved in the plot already said they were disappointed the World Trade Center had already been hit. more ›

With the four men accused of plotting to bomb Bronx synagogues and attack the National Guard base in Newburgh, NY being held in custody without bail, their family and friends have been speaking out about the arrests. The mother of David Williams (pictured) says the government informant—known as "Maqsood"—told her son he'd take care of getting a liver transplant for Williams' dying brother. And Williams' girlfriend defended him to the Daily News, as did the girlfriend of alleged ringleader James Cromitie. Kathleen Baynes said that the informant gave Cromitie "cash, free food, rent money and even bags of marijuana," saying, "This is entrapment. They come and hit a brother who is down and out, and tell him they'll give him the world. Maqsood is no different than a pimp or drug dealer sitting on 42nd St." more ›