NYC bomb plot suspect Zazi pleads guilty to conspiracy, supporting al-Qaida

NYC terrorism suspect pleads guilty to conspiracy

NEW YORK — Terrorism suspect Najibullah Zazi (nah-jee-BOO’-lah ZAH’-zee) has pleaded guilty in New York City to conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction.

The 25-year-old former Denver airport shuttle driver also pleaded guilty Monday to counts of conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country and providing material support for a terrorist organization.

He faces a life prison sentence without parole in the plea deal.

He was arrested in the fall after arousing authorities’ suspicions by driving cross-country from Denver to New York around the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Authorities say he received al-Qaida training in Pakistan, bought beauty supplies in Colorado and tried to use them to cook up homemade bombs in a Colorado hotel room.

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

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City terrorism suspect Najibullah Zazi (nah-jee-BOO’-lah ZAH’-zee) is in a Brooklyn courtroom as law enforcement officials say he is expected to plead guilty to terrorism charges.

The 25-year-old former Denver airport shuttle driver appeared Monday in a blue and orange jail uniform with his attorney in Brooklyn federal court.

Law enforcement officials tell The Associated Press Zazi will enter a guilty plea to terrorism charges. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is in progress.

Zazi was arrested in the fall after arousing authorities’ suspicions by driving cross-country from Denver to New York around the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Authorities say he received al-Qaida training in Pakistan, bought beauty supplies in Colorado and tried to use them to cook up homemade bombs in a Colorado hotel room.