FBI applauds conviction in beheading terror plot

By: The Associated Press

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BOSTON (AP) — Federal officials say the conviction of a Massachusetts man charged with plotting to behead a conservative blogger who organized a Prophet Muhammad cartoon contest is a victory for America in its fight against terrorism.            

Twenty-eight-year-old David Wright was convicted Wednesday of all charges, including conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries. He faces up to life in prison.              

The FBI’s top counterterrorism official in Boston called Wright a “full-fledged solider” of the Islamic State group. Peter Kowenhoven said there was “nothing fantastical” about Wright’s ideas or actions.        

Wright’s attorney, Jessica Hedges, said in an email that they are disappointed in the verdict and heartbroken for Wright’s family. But she said: “We are not finished.”       

The plot against blogger Pamela Geller was never carried out.            

1:45 p.m.            

A Massachusetts man has been convicted of conspiring to support the Islamic State group with a plot to behead conservative blogger Pamela Geller.              

Jurors on Wednesday found David Wright guilty of all charges, including conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries.              

The 28-year-old faces up to life in prison.             

Prosecutors say Wright plotted with his uncle and a Rhode Island man to kill Geller on behalf of the terror group after she organized a Prophet Muhammad cartoon contest in Texas.

The plot was never carried out.              

Prosecutors said Wright also wanted to commit other attacks in the U.S. and encouraged his uncle to kill police officers.             

Wright says he didn’t want to hurt anyone and insists he never supported the terror group.

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