Nation & World News

Boston terror suspect reportedly plotted to behead blogger Pamela Geller

By WFXT – Boston
June 4, 2015

A terrorism suspect who was shot and killed in the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, reportedly was originally plotting to kill a prominent New York figure, according to WFXT.

Usaama Rahim, who was shot and killed by police Tuesday, was reportedly plotting to behead blogger Pamela Geller, who is now surrounded by security, according to CNN.

>> Click here for WFXT's complete coverage of the alleged terror plot

"They targeted me for violating Sharia blasphemy laws. They mean to kill everyone who doesn't abide by their bidding and their law voluntarily," Geller told CNN.

Geller, president of the American Freedom Defense Initiative, made headlines in May after two suspects were shot and killed after trying to attack a controversial contest to draw a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad in Garland, Texas. The contest was sponsored by her organization.

Rahim reportedly changed his mind about Geller, saying he couldn't wait that long. He then decided to go after police. 
>> RELATED: Boston police investigate alleged plot to behead officer

The 26-year-old was killed by officers in Roslindale after charging at them with a knife Tuesday.

A man connected to Rahim, David Wright, was arraigned Wednesday just after an FBI affidavit detailing the investigation into both men was released. The affidavit talked about the conversations between the two regarding the alleged plot. In court, Wright was charged with obstructing the investigation related to a plot to behead an unnamed person and target police officers. Prosecutors allege that Wright knew Rahim was planning a "violent attack in [the] United States." Wright was deemed a flight risk and held pending a detention hearing June 19.

>> Read more trending stories

Rahim's body was returned to his family Wednesday, the same day police and religious leaders reviewed surveillance footage of the deadly shooting. They say the 26-year-old was shot three times – once in the shoulder, once in the chest and once in the abdomen. Rahim was not shot in the back and was not holding a cell phone, contrary to reports from Rahim's brother. 
Police plan to show the surveillance video to Rahim's family before releasing it to the public. 

>> Mobile users: Click here to watch a video report from WFXT

Rahim had been under 24-hour surveillance by the Joint Terrorism Task Force. There was an "active plot" centered around harming law enforcement officials, although it is unclear if it was operational, a source told WFXT. The plot may have been inspired by ISIS.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, called for an "independent and thorough" investigation into the shooting. 
Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

About the Author

WFXT – Boston

More Stories