Times Square car bomb suspect makes 1st appearance in NY court since his arrest 2 weeks ago

Times Square car bomb suspect appears in NY court

NEW YORK — The suspect in a botched car bombing in Times Square has left a New York City courtroom after muttering just one word in his first public appearance since his arrest two weeks ago.

Faisal Shahzad (FY’-sul shah-ZAHD’) said “yes” when asked to confirm an affidavit about his finances. He was led out of court Tuesday after a 10-minute appearance.

Assistant public defender Julia Gatto identified herself as his attorney. She didn’t comment afterward.

The 30-year-old Shahzad has been held at an undisclosed location since his May 3 arrest on charges he abandoned a bomb-laden SUV in Times Square near several restaurants and a Broadway theater showing “The Lion King.”

Shahzad didn’t enter a plea to the charges.

Authorities say the ex-budget analyst from Bridgeport, Conn., had voluntarily waived his rights to an initial court appearance while he was cooperating.

Associated Press writer Larry Neumeister contributed to this report.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

NEW YORK (AP) — The suspect in a botched car bombing in Times Square has left a New York City courtroom after his first public appearance since his arrest two weeks ago.

Faisal Shahzad (FY’-sul shah-ZAHD’) was led out of court Tuesday after a 10-minute appearance. Assistant public defender Julia Gatto identified herself as Shahzad’s attorney at the appearance. She did not comment afterward. Shahzad did not enter a plea to the charges.

The 30-year-old Shahzad has been held at an undisclosed location since his May 3 arrest on charges he abandoned a bomb-laden SUV in Times Square near several restaurants and a Broadway theater showing “The Lion King.”

Authorities say the ex-budget analyst from Bridgeport, Conn., had voluntarily waived his rights to an initial court appearance while he was cooperating.

Associated Press writer Larry Neumeister contributed to this report.