Two Chicago men are accused of conspiring to commit terrorist acts against a Danish newspaper that published cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed back in 2005.
The U.S. Attorney's Office announced charges today against David Coleman Headley, 49, and Tahawwur Hussain Rana, 48, also known as Tahawar Rana.
The men were allegedly plotting an attack at the Denmark newspaper facilities in revenge for the paper publishing cartoon images of Mohammed that many Muslims considered offensive.
Headley is a U.S. citizen who changed his name from Daood Gilani three years ago. Prosecutors say his primary residence is Chicago. He was arrested October 3, 2009 at O'Hare Airport while en route to Pakistan.
He is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit terrorist acts involving murder and maiming outside the United States and one count of conspiracy to provide material support for the terrorism conspiracy.
Rana is a Pakistan native and a citizen of Canada who also lives here in Chicago. He is the owner of several local businesses, including First World Immigration Services at 2809 West Devon Avenue
He was arrested at his Chicago home on October 18, and is charged with one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorism conspiracy that allegedly involved Headley and at least three other conspirators in Pakistan.
Authorities executed search warrants last week at both the Rana and Headley homes and at the business Rana owns on Devon. A meat processing facility Rana owns in Kinsman, Ill. was also searched. That company provides halal meat for Muslim costumers.
The complete conspiracy as outlined int he press release is an interesting read. To read the full press release, click here.