Asia Siddiqui and Noelle Velentzas, Explosive Device Conspiracy, New York 2023
Two Queens Women Plead Guilty to Explosive Device Conspiracy in Brooklyn
Asia Siddiqui and Noelle Velentzas, both citizens of the United States and residents of Queens, pleaded guilty in federal court to teaching and distributing information pertaining to the making and use of an explosive, destructive device, and weapon of mass destruction, intending that it be used to commit a federal crime of violence.
The guilty pleas were entered before United States District Court Judge Sterling Johnson, Jr. on [current date]. When sentenced, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison.
The investigation, led by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, revealed that between approximately 2013 and 2015, Velentzas and Siddiqui planned to build a bomb for use in a terrorist attack in the United States.
In furtherance of their plan, the defendants taught each other chemistry and electrical skills related to creating explosives and building detonating devices; conducted research on how to make plastic explosives and how to build a car bomb; and shopped for and acquired materials to be used in an explosive device.
They discussed similar devices used in past terrorist incidents, including the Boston Marathon bombing, Oklahoma City bombing and 1993 World Trade Center attack, and they researched potential targets of attack, focusing on law enforcement and military-related targets.
The investigation and guilty pleas are a testament to the tireless work of law enforcement agencies in keeping New York City and the United States safe from violent threats.
The case was announced by Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD).
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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