Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Terror Suspect Shahzad Talking, Waives Court Hearing
By
Jen Chung
Published May 5, 2010
Modified May 5, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
View all 7
By
Jen Chung
Published May 5, 2010
Modified May 5, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Faisal Shahzad, the Pakistani naturalized U.S. citizen who was charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, and other federal crimes for allegedly leaving a car bomb in Times Square, has reportedly waived his right to a rapid court hearing. According to the NY Times, "The disclosure that Mr. Shahzad has waived his right to a speedy arraignment suggests that he is continuing to provide valuable information to the office of Preet Bharara."
The Taliban in Pakistan praised Shahzad's botched car bomb but denied a link to their group, adding, "Right now, America is the biggest enemy of Islam. We have sent out mujahedeen to America and you will soon see the results." However, investigations are looking at whether Shahzad, who admitted to learning bomb-making in Pakistan, did have links to the Taliban. The Post reports that the 30-year-old allegedly wanted to bomb Times Square in "retaliation for US drone attacks that wiped out the leadership of his beloved Taliban."
While there are questions about lapses that nearly led to Shahzad's escape, authorities pointed out that he was apprehended 53 hours after his Nissan Pathfinder was found in Times Square. Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said that while Jack Bauer can find the bad guys in 24 hours, "In the real world, 53 is a pretty good number."
Authorities were able to zero in on his life in Connecticut, which the Courant calls "mundane" until his arrest: "He earned a business degree from the University of Bridgeport, started a family and bought a three-bedroom home in the suburbs." One thing that helped confirm that the person who left the SUV in Times Square lived in a Bridgeport apartment: The keys left in the ignition of the SUV fit in the apartment's door. Shahzad's landlord told reporters that Shahzad, who was on a train back to Connecticut, called him on Saturday saying he lost his key, "He looked nervous. But I thought, of course he’s nervous, he just lost his keys."
You can read the U.S. Attorney's charges against Shahzad here (PDF).
Tagged
arrest
car bomb
faisal shahzad
Pakistan
taliban
Times Square
times square bomb
u.s. attorney
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Bronx community hosts vigil for boy killed in e-bike fire
Zion Maine died Wednesday after a lithium-ion battery ignited, killing him and injuring four members of his family.
By
Carol Chen
Published Oct 29, 2026 at 9:22 p.m. ET
8 people charged in $7M SNAP benefit fraud scheme
The scam impacted thousands of people, according to the Manhattan district attorney’s office.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
8 people charged in $7M SNAP benefit fraud scheme
The scam impacted thousands of people, according to the Manhattan district attorney’s office.
By
Giulia Heyward
California man was shot by a NJ detective in Moonachie, officials say
By
Kaya Laterman
The NYPD is confiscating e-bikes along a clogged East Village street
By
Willow Higgins
New Yorkers enrolled in SNAP will get more money for fresh produce next year
By
Giulia Heyward
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .