Sources: Shahzad Shows No Signs of Remorse
Suspected Times Square bomber Faisal Shahzad, while cooperating, is not expressing any remorse and believed in what he was doing, sources tell CBS News.
One source said Shahzad was "passionate" about his deed and believed what he was doing was to avenge the attacks on Pakistan and the killing of his brothers.
Meanwhile, the White House sidestepped questions about whether Shahzad was linked to foreign terror groups Thursday as the FBI sought to tamp down reports that it had either confirmed or disproved such connections.
The Pakistan-born U.S. citizen accused of carrying out Saturday's failed attack has told authorities he received training at a terror camp in Pakistan. He also claims he drew inspiration from al Qaeda cleric Anwar al-Awlaki who has been previously linked to the underwear bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab and accused Fort Hood gunman Major Nidal Hasan, reports CBS News correspondent Bob Orr.
The FBI is investigating whether that claim is true and is trying to figure out if the bombing was financed or supported by one of several terrorist or militant groups in Pakistan's lawless tribal region. It didn't cost much - about $3,000 for the SUV, materials and ticket out of the country, reports Orr. Shahzad did not appear to be a man of means.
Shahzad claims he is angry about U.S. predator attacks on Pakistan, but investigators say financial pressures may have help fuel his rage. Sources tell CBS News he defaulted on both his mortgage and another $65,000 equity loan.
Special Section: Terrorism in the U.S.
If the bomb was sponsored by a foreign group, it would be a nearly catastrophic reminder that overseas terror organizations can still reach into the United States nearly a decade after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.
President Barack Obama had a previously scheduled meeting with his top counterterrorism advisers Thursday about Afghanistan and Pakistan.
But citing the ongoing investigation, spokesman Robert Gibbs would not say if Times Square came up in that meeting. He also would not explain whether the administration viewed Shahzad as a lone wolf or a terrorist group's operative.
The 30-year-old former budget analyst was arrested Monday night on board a plane bound for the United Arab Emirates.
FBI spokesman Richard Kolko said investigators have not yet determined whether Shahzad acted alone or as part of an international plot.
Pakistani Taliban Part of Bombing Attempt?
"The FBI investigation is going to take a significant amount of time, and although theories may be developed or floated by the media, it's our job to verify the facts," Kolko said. "These are complicated issues involving overseas liaisons, analysis of evidence and countless interviews."
The Pakistani Taliban initially took credit for the attack, then said it had not trained Shahzad.
Pakistani officials are questioning four alleged members of Jaish-e-Mohammad, a militant group linked to al Qaeda, about possible ties to Shahzad, intelligence officials said Thursday.
Gibbs said he was pleased with Pakistan's cooperation.
He also said he's heard no support within the administration for a bill introduced by Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., and Scott Brown, R.-Mass, that would strip suspected terrorists of their U.S. citizenship. That would allow authorities to prosecute terrorism cases in military commissions. U.S. citizens cannot be charged in military commissions.
More coverage of the Times Square Bomb Plot:
Shahzad Practiced Bomb Plot, Official Says
Authorities Lost Faisal Shahzad in Traffic
Shahzad: Number Cruncher to Terror Suspect
Bomb Suspect Shahzad Seen Walking Away in Video
How You End Up on the U.S. No-Fly List
Shahzad Bought Weak Fireworks, Store Owner Says
Faisal Shahzad on Homeland Security List Since 1999
Exclusive: New Image of Shahzad in Times Square