Faisal Shahzad Arraigned of Five Felony Counts

Pakistani American and suspected Times Bomb plotter Faisal Shahzad has been arraigned before a federal magistrate in Manhattan on five felony counts, said media reports.

Shahzad, appearing before Magistrate Judge James C Francis IV, did not enter a plea and when asked if an affidavit attesting to his finances was accurate, he only said ‘yes’, reports said.

Then, he was charged with one count each of attempting terrorism by attempting to kill people; attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction; using a destructive device in connection with an attempted crime of violence; transporting explosives; and attempting to destroy property with fire and explosives, said reports.

A maximum sentence for attempted terrorism is life in prison in the US.

The judge asked an assistant US attorney, Randall Jackson, whether the government wished Shahzad to be held, reports said.

“The government seeks detention,” Jackson was quoted as saying.

Shahzad’s court appointed lawyer, Julia Gatto, sitting at his side, consented, said reports.

The judge set a June 1 date for Shahzad’s next hearing, and the defendant was handcuffed and led from the courtroom.

The whole proceeding took less than 10 minutes.

(Based on internet reports)