Ann Arbor-based company flags package in terror case

2/25/2011

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A Michigan company says tipping off federal officials about a package ordered by a college student from Saudi Arabia accused of buying chemicals online as part of a plan to blow up U.S. targets was part of its own homeland security plan.

Ann Arbor-based Con-way Freight says in a statement Thursday the package received at its Lubbock, Texas service center Feb. 1 was flagged, triggering security to notify authorities.

Authorities say 20-year-old Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari ordered the package from Carolina Biological Supply of Burlington, N.C. They say he was moved by 9/11 and Osama bin Laden speeches, and his targets included New York City and former President George W. Bush's home.

Ali-M Aldawsari was arrested Wednesday in Texas and charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction.