US: Shahzad waives right to arraignment

Faisal Shahzad, the Pakistani-American suspect in Times Square failed bombing, has waived his right to a speedy arraignment and is not expected to appear in court today.

The arraignment has been postponed and the terror suspect is cooperating with US authorities in revealing information connected to his plot to blow up a car in Times Square on Saturday.

Shahzad was caught after a two-day hunt by law enforcement officials. He was caught on Tuesday morning after he had already boarded an Emirates flight to Dubai.

Shortly after his arrest, as many as seven persons linked to him were arrested in Pakistan, where Shahzad is said to have received bomb-making training.

"The disclosure that Mr Shahzad has waived his right to a speedy arraignment suggests that he is continuing to provide valuable information," the New York Times said.

Under law, a person who is arrested and charged with a federal crime must be brought before a judge and advised of his or her rights and the charges against them within a reasonable period of time – generally 24 hours or 48 hours.

But a defendant can waive that right. Indian-American, Preet Bharara, of the Manhattan United States attorney's office is prosecuting the case.

Bharara, 41, said yesterday that "the dedicated agents, detectives, and prosecutors in this case will continue to follow every lead and use every tool to keep the people of New York City safe."

He also vowed that "we will not rest until every terrorist, whether homegrown or foreign-based, is neutralized and held to account".
The foiled terror plot that dramatically unfolded on Saturday when a foot patrol officer spotted a parked SUV packed with explosives around 6:30pm in Times Square.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has urged Homeland Security for more money to protect New York. "If anybody questions what the target is, it is always New York," he said. "This is where the terrorists come and we need Homeland Security funds".