US authorities have unearthed a homegrown terrorist cell that conspired to support the al Qaida terrorist organization and planned attacks inside the country, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said Friday.

US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales(C), Deputy FBI Director John Pistole (R) and Assistant Attorney General Alice Fisher hold a press conference at the Justice Department in Washington June 23. (Xinhua/ AFP Photo)
The seven people arrested Thursday night in Miami, Florida, were charged with four counts conspiracy to provide material support to al Qaida, and conspiracy to provide material support and resources to terrorists, Gonzales told a news conference.

They were also charged with conspiracy to maliciously damage and destroy buildings by explosion, and conspiracy to levy war against the government of the United States.

The suspects, including five American citizens, one legal permanent resident and one Haitian national who was in the United States illegally, were planning attacks on numerous targets, including bombing the Sears Tower in Chicago and the FBI building in North Miami Beach, Florida, he said.

The suspects allegedly attempted to obtain the support of al Qaida to achieve their goals, and took the oath of allegiance to al Qaida, he said.

They sought to work with al Qaida but ended up conspiring with an informant, he said.

The suspects were to appear in federal court in Miami later Friday.

 
(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2006)