WACO, Texas (AP) - The first day of testimony has ended in the federal trial of a Muslim soldier accused of planning to bomb a Texas restaurant filled with Fort Hood troops.
Pfc. Naser Jason Abdo faces up to life in prison if convicted of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and five other charges.
A Wal-mart employee told jurors Tuesday afternoon that store receipts matched items found in Abdo's Killeen motel room near Fort Hood. That's where he was detained in July, and authorities say they found pressure cookers, clocks, wires and other bomb-making components.
Jurors also saw surveillance footage showing Abdo buying the items and later taking them into his motel room.
Killeen police were tipped off by a gun store manager who was suspicious of Abdo's purchases and behavior.
Prosecutors said Tuesday in opening statements that the Muslim soldier intended to commit mass murder in Killeen.
FBI special agent C. Michael Owens -- the first prosecution witness -- testified that Abdo said he went to Killeen to "martyr himself" for the people of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Defense attorneys countered in federal court in Waco that no bomb was ever built.
Abdo was AWOL from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, when he was arrested last summer at a motel in Killeen, near Fort Hood. Authorities searched his backpack and motel room, and say they found ingredients for an explosive device. Abdo reportedly said he wanted to avenge the war in Afghanistan.
Past Stories:
- May 22, 2012: Fort Hood Bomb Plot Suspect Wears Mask In Court
- April 6, 2012: Lawyers: Throw Out Fort Hood Bomb Plot Confession
- Jan. 10, 2012: Trial For Soldier In Fort Hood Bomb Plot Delayed
- Dec. 22, 2011: Soldier Charged In Fort Hood Bomb Plot Gets Lawyer
- Nov. 17, 2011: Soldier Pleads Not Guilty To Bomb Plot Charges
- Nov. 9, 2011: New Charges Against Soldier In Fort Hood Bomb Plot
- Aug. 9, 2011: AWOL Soldier Indicted In Fort Hood Bomb Plot
- Aug. 4, 2011: Grand Jury To Hear Case Of Ft. Hood Plot Suspect
- July 30, 2011: Gun Shop Clerk Tipped Police to AWOL Soldier
- July 29, 2011: AWOL Soldier Defiant In 1st Court Appearance
- July 28, 2011: Police: AWOL Soldier Was Close To Fort Hood Attack
- July 20, 2011: Army: Muslim Soldier Opposed To War Is AWOL
- June 15, 2011: Muslim Soldier Opposed To War Faces Porn Charge
- Aug. 23, 2010: Muslim Soldier Claims To Be Conscientious Objector
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
