Zachary Chesser, Who Threatened "South Park" Creators, Admits Al-Qaida Terror Link

By: Edecio Martinez
Topics: Daily Blotter

Zachary Chesser, Who Launched Online Attacks On "South Park," Admits Helping Al-Qaida Linked Terrorists

Zachary Chesser seen in a video he posted online in March 2003 (CBS)

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (CBS/WUSA/AP) Zachary Chesser pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to supporting an al Qaida-linked terrorist group in Somalia, and threatening the creators of the animated television series "South Park" for what he perceived as insults to the prophet Muhammad.

The 20-year-old, from Bristow, Va., is expected to receive a prison term of at least 20 years when he is sentenced in February.

CBS affiliate WUSA reports Chesser struck a plea bargain in U.S. District Court, admitting that tried twice to travel to Somalia in the last year to join the al-Shabab terror network and engage in holy war. He was thwarted the first time because his mother-in-law would not relinquish the passport of his wife, who intended to travel with him.

His second attempt failed because he had been placed on the no-fly list. He made it as far as JFK Airport in New York, and planned to take his infant son with him on a flight to Uganda to appear less threatening.

He also admitted posting online propaganda on behalf of al-Shabab. On several occasions, Chesser posted speeches by radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki that said killing those who insult Muhammad was justified.

In addition to providing support to al-Shabab, Chesser pleaded guilty to communicating threats to the creators of the cartoon "South Park," Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Upset about an episode in which a character in a bear costume was linked to the prophet Muhammad, Chesser posted Internet messages calling for death to those who defamed Muhammad, and links designed to help readers identify Stone and Parker's Colorado residence.

Chesser admitted as part of the plea bargain that his postings were designed to incite others to attack Stone and Parker.

According to WUSA, his attorney said Chesser is "deeply remorseful" for his actions.

Chesser could face up to 30 years in prison. According to The Associated Press, he is likely to receive at least 20 years because the plea agreement bars the defense from seeking a term of less than 20 years from U.S. District Judge Liam O'Grady.

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF ZACHARY CHESSER ON CRIMESIDER

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by betterusa October 22, 2010 11:13 AM EDT: Wow, this 20 year old will get 20 years but be out in less than 10 years on good behavior. At 30 years old he will then continue his terrorist beliefs and actions by killing someone that insults Muhammad.

Immediate execution of this slime is called for. He threatened and he wanted to kill but when caught he was afraid to die. Sums up most killers. Immediate executions would eliminate a lot of these threats.; Reply to this comment


by MilitaryRetiree October 22, 2010 10:54 AM EDT: So, he's "remorseful" ? ? Let him be remorseful and ponder his sinful ways in prison for the next 20 or so years.; Reply to this comment


by Concerned2009 October 22, 2010 10:27 AM EDT: Just another zealot wannabe. Open mouth, insert foot and then try to close mouth. Hope he enjoys the next 20 years. What ever happened to Islam being a religion of peace? Not that it ever was.
That said, non muslims have the Westboro idiots - maybe people should just keep their mouths shut for awhile. If you can't say something nice, don't say it.; Reply to this comment


by brian_norwood October 22, 2010 10:18 AM EDT: Have fun in prison, dude1; Reply to this comment


by payasyougo October 22, 2010 6:40 AM EDT: Come down on him hard.
Make it very public.
Stop enabling this nonsense.; Reply to this comment


by stevex47 October 21, 2010 10:08 PM EDT: infantrynot,

Was it boosh or Obama that has been doing business with bin laden and the muslims for 50 years? Wouldn't that make boosh the terrorist lover?

Or are you really that dumb?; Reply to this comment


by senca67 October 21, 2010 9:15 PM EDT: Iived in south Park, I don't think anyone wants to mess with us, I don't care if thier musslims, white racist, or whoever.; Reply to this comment


by fedup12 October 21, 2010 8:12 PM EDT: Muhammad can www.kizzmyazz.com

Now he can come after me...lol; Reply to this comment


by thesevenveils October 21, 2010 7:11 PM EDT: Does this mean we can finally get to see the South park episodes that were banned because of this pig kisser?; Reply to this comment


by jdavidlove October 21, 2010 5:52 PM EDT: Whoops, almost made it to that illustrious drinking age. That ought to suck to think about for the next 20 years behind bars. Dumb a$$. This is why we've got to lower the drinking age back to 18! He probably would have devoted his life to pinball, Bud, and babes instead. Not a lot of time to read the Koran when you've got a life and somewhere to go.; Reply to this comment