Why man referenced in NYC bomb suspect's journal is significant
The wife of accused New York and New Jersey bomber Ahmad Rahami is now in the United States. Asia Rahami flew into New York from Dubai Wednesday night. She is not considered a suspect and has been cooperating with investigators, reports CBS News correspondent Jeff Pegues.
Newly released pages from the suspect’s journal contain an apparent reference to a high-ranking ISIS leader killed last month. The reference to Abu Muhammad al-Adnani is significant because of what he told his followers before his death. Rahami’s notebook also suggests he was influenced by a variety of terrorist groups, including Al Qaeda and Boko Haram.
The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee said Wednesday Ahmad Khan Rahami was inspired by ISIS.
“It’s clear from this journal that Mr. Rahami was receiving inspiration from the ISIS spokesman, Mr. Adnani,” Michael McCaul said.
Two years ago, Abu Muhammad al-Adnani -- ISIS’ second in command -- urged his followers to attack targets in the West. He was killed by a U.S. drone strike in August.
In Rahami’s blood-stained notebook, he appears to ask for “guidance” from “Brother Adnani,” who wanted to “attack the kuffar” – or disbelievers – “in their backyard.”
“I think the recent events in New York City kind of underscores really what’s a morphing and changing threat picture since 9/11,” said New York Deputy Police Commissioner John Miller.
Rahami remains hospitalized in New Jersey following a shootout Monday with police.
“We’re ready to speak to him
of course. He’s not medically cleared so that we can speak to him just yet,”
said NYPD Counterterrorism Chief James Waters.
Investigators
continue to search the Rahami family home for evidence. A charred spot is
visible on the property, and prosecutors said they have cellphone video of Rahami
detonating an explosive device in a backyard just two days before the Chelsea
bombings.
“They’re very, very lucky,” Waters said.
Police also want to speak with two men who apparently
stumbled upon the bag containing the pressure cooker bomb on 27th street. They
removed the unexploded device and then walked away with the luggage.
“Who bought the bag? Where was it shipped to? There’s all sorts of
bright leads and traces that will come from that stuff,” said FBI Assistant
Director William Sweeney.
Investigators emphasize the two men are considered witnesses -- not suspects --
and aren’t in danger of being arrested.
At this point, they are still not sure where Rahami built his bombs and whether he had any help.