Two Queens Women Are Accused of Trying to Build a Bomb

By
Tracie Hunte
and
Annmarie Fertoli
WNYC News | Apr 2, 2015

Two Queens women are facing terrorism charges after police say they tried to build a bomb.

Noelle Velentzas, 28, and Asia Siddiqui, 31, were arrested Thursday. Federal investigators say the women espoused violent jihadist beliefs, visited Web sites with Islamic State group propaganda, researched explosives and began gathering the ingredients for a bomb at stores like Home Depot. 

They were charged with conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction against persons or property in the United States. If convicted, Velentzas and Siddiqui face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

John Miller, the head of the New York Police Department's counterterrorism operation, said the public was never in danger. 

The women shared an apartment and are both U.S. citizens.

Velentzas and Siddiqui were arraigned in Brooklyn federal court. A lawyer for Siddiqui said his client will plead not guilty and fight the charges in court. 

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Tracie Hunte
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Annmarie Fertoli

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