Gas Station Robberies Trigger Terrorism Investigation

August 31, 2005

The arrest of two men for a series of gas station robberies in the Los Angeles area has triggered an FBI terrorism investigation.

Following the arrest of the two men their homes were searched. Information was discovered which prompted the police to call in the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.  Police believe the two men may have had links to radical
Islamic groups in prison and the probe has extended to a local LA suburban mosque which led to the arrest of a third man.

One of those arrested for the gas station robberies had recently been released from a California prison where a radical Islam gang is known to operate and both worshipped at a local mosque. A third man, who also attends the same mosque, has also been arrested.

FBI officials remain tight lipped about their investigation although sources claim that there is credible evidence which is why more than 100 investigators are now working the case.

The investigation may expand, said Los Angeles Police Department Commander Mark Leap, who leads the anti-terror squad. The case may represent the most direct terrorism threat to Los Angeles since 1999, when the arrest of Ahmed Ressam averted an attempted bombing at the city's international Airport.

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