NEW YORK (AP) – Prosecutors say the arrests of two New York City women who talked about recipes for homemade bombs show authorities are committed to doing everything they can to prevent “attacks by homegrown violent extremists.”
Court papers say the women had multiple conversations about Muslim holy war against unbelievers and praised Osama bin Laden and the Islamic State group.
Noelle Velentzas and Asia Siddiqui were arrested at their Queens homes Thursday on charges they plotted to wage violent jihad by building a homemade bomb and using it for a Boston Marathon-type attack. Court papers say officers searching their homes recovered gas tanks, a pressure cooker and fertilizer.
The women say they understand the charges against them.
Siddiqui’s lawyer says she’ll enter a not guilty plea if there’s an indictment. Velentzas’ attorney has no comment.