Addition to the Most Wanted Terrorists List


December 18, 2013

The FBI adds Ahmad Abousamra, a man who grew up in Boston, to its Most Wanted Terrorists list.


Audio Transcript

Mollie Halpern: The FBI adds a man who grew up in Boston to its Most Wanted Terrorists list. Ahmad Abousamra is the 30th individual currently on the list. Supervisory Special Agent Jonathan Zeitlin…

Jonathan B. Zeitlin: The Most Wanted Terrorists list is a valuable tool in helping the FBI apprehend terrorists and bring them to justice. The list is a great way to increase awareness both here in the United States and overseas.

Halpern: Former President George W. Bush announced the creation of the list about one month after the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. Special agents in the Bureau’s Counterterrorism Division consider candidates for the list; FBI executive management determines the final selection.

Zeitlin: There are several criteria for being named to the list, such as including having the intent to plan for a terrorist act or providing financial support to a terrorist group.

Halpern: Individuals are removed from the list only when the United States apprehends them or if they are dead or no longer pose a threat to the U.S., her people, or national security.

Thomas Daly, a sergeant at the Lowell Police Department and a full-time officer on the Boston FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, participated in the investigation into Ahmad Abousamra.

Daly: The FBI’s priority is to deter, prevent, and detect terrorist attacks and or activity, and we will not rest until we locate Ahmad Abousamra and bring him to justice.

Halpern: For more information and to report tips, visit www.fbi.gov. With FBI, This Week, I’m Mollie Halpern of the Bureau from FBI Headquarters.

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