Boston terror arrest

BOSTON, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- A 27-year-old man was charged by federal authorities in Massachusetts of plotting a series of terror attacks, including shooting people at U.S. shopping malls.

Tarek Mehanna was arrested Wednesday in a Boston suburb and faces allegations he planned to kill former White House officials, people at U.S. shopping centers and U.S. military personnel overseas.

Two other men, including one who authorities said was cooperating in the investigation, were allegedly involved with Mehanna.

U.S. investigators said the alleged plot involving shopping malls was abandoned when the suspects were unable to get assault weapons they believed they needed.

Authorities said the three men talked of "fighting jihad and their desire to die on the battlefield."