Forsyth County man accused of plotting terror attack appears in court
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - A Forsyth County man accused of hatching a terroristic plot to blow up the White House will not see freedom any time soon.
That was the ruling from a federal judge Thursday afternoon after considering evidence for and against Hasher Taheb.
The 21-year-old showed little emotion as Federal prosecutor Ryan Cunningham painted a picture of him as a man intent on committing an act of terror.
Cunningham presented key evidence including plans drawn by Taheb, of one of his alleged intended targets, the White House.
He spoke of Taheb selecting weapons and bombs in meetings with an undercover FBI agent and an informant.
Cunningham detailed a failed effort by Taheb to recruit others for his terrorism plot and how Taheb was preparing for a trip to Washington to carry it out.
The series of actions and events led up to agents raiding his home in Cumming home after Taheb’s arrest in Buford where the FBI says he tried to trade a car for weapons and bombs.
U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak said this last Wednesday.
His alleged to intent was to attack the White House and other targets of opportunity. By using explosive devices, including an improvised explosive device and anti-tank rocket,” said Pak.
In court, Taheb’s mother cried as the prosecution spoke of how he sold his car to finance the terror trip.
Tahebs Public defender Bryan Mendelson questioned the only witness, an FBI agent.
It was revealed the FBI set up the purchase of weapons and explosives, not Taheb.
It was also shown Taheb never owned a weapon.
FOX 5 News did obtain previous mugshots from when Taheb was arrested as a teen for smoking marijuana near a Cumming restaurant and reckless driving in his neighborhood.
Taheb’s defense team argued he has deep community roots and did not pose a threat to the community.
In the end, judge Alan Baverman ruled Taheb will remain in custody, saying it may have been a fantastical plot but it showed Taheb’s intent to harm others.
Taheb’s arraignment is expected to take place within the next ten days.
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