Qatari Diplomat Arrested on Airplane Was Flying to Visit Al-Qaeda Inmate in Colorado

2 years ago

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The diplomat from Qatar who was arrested after sneaking a smoke in an airliner lavatory and then joking to air marshals that he was trying to set his shoes on fire was reportedly en route to visit a member of al-Qaeda at a Colorado prison.

Mohammed al-Madadi was flying to Denver from Washington, D.C., for a consular visit with Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri, who is behind bars at the Colorado Supermax penitentiary, ABC News reported. Al-Marri was arrested in Illinois shortly after the 9/11 attacks.

Al-Madadi, 27, was arrested Wednesday night after flight attendants smelled smoke coming from a first class toilet. When confronted, officials said the diplomat made a sarcastic comment about trying to light his shoes on fire. He was detained, and two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled to escort the plane.

Al-Madadi invoked diplomatic immunity and as a result is unlikely to be charged with a crime. Officials determined he posed no threat and the diplomat returned to Washington Thursday. He was expected to lose his U.S. posting and be sent out of the country.

Filed Under: Investigations, Terror

Tagged: Daily Guidance, DailyGuidance, diplomat, Qatar

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