WACO, Texas, July 29 (UPI) -- An AWOL soldier who converted to Islam was formally charged Friday with a bomb plot aimed at Fort Hood in Texas.
Naser Jason Abdo, 21, appeared in federal court in Waco, the Los Angeles Times reported. As he left the courtroom, Abdo, who had refused to stand during the hearing, called out "Nidal Hasan Fort Hood 2009," referring to the Army psychiatrist, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, who has been charged with killing 13 people on the base in 2009.
Abdo, who left Fort Campbell, Ky., without leave earlier this month, was arrested Wednesday in a motel room in Killeen, Texas, not far from Fort Hood's main gate. Investigators said bomb-making materials were found in his room, and he allegedly planned to construct two bombs and use them in a restaurant patronized by soldiers stationed at Fort Hood.
Another item allegedly found in Abdo's room was an al-Qaida publication titled "Make a bomb in the kitchen of your Mom."
Investigators said he also made statements about his plans after his arrest.
